Diaspora Meets IR's Constructivism: An Appraisal
| Published date | 01 February 2008 |
| Author | Chris Ogden |
| DOI | 10.1111/j.1467-9256.2007.00304.x |
| Date | 01 February 2008 |
| Subject Matter | Research Article |
Research Article
Diaspora Meets IR’s Constructivism:
An Appraisal
Chris Ogden
University of Edinburgh
This article explores the concept of diaspora in relation to constructivism within IR theory. It begins
by investigating the origins, definition and implications of the phenomenon of diaspora, before
focusing on issues concerning identity interpenetration and multiple loyalties. Consequently, the
article outlines diaspora’s relationship to constructivism, particularly in terms of identity formation
and the self/other dyad, as well as in the analysis of culture and transnational norms, and concludes
by examining the challenges and possibilities diaspora poses for constructivist IR theory. Acting as
both commentary and conjecture, this article serves as a conceptual overview of diaspora, while
arousing intellectual concern for what will be a dominant issue of emerging identity politics in the
twenty-first century.
Introduction
This article aims to analyse and clarify the theoretical implications that the study of
diaspora has for strengthening and enhancing constructivist international relations
(IR) theory. As constructivism ‘assumes, a priori, that identities are potentially part
of the constitutive practices of the state, and so, productive of its actions at home
and abroad’ (Hopf, 1998, p. 193), it appears to be a natural starting point in IR for
an analysis of diaspora. Additionally, as the location for multiple seats of identity
within and across national boundaries, the phenomenon of diaspora is intimately
concerned with domestic politics and transnational relations, making a comparison
with constructivism appropriate. As such, investigating diaspora will question and
aid the examination of identity within constructivism, and offer new frames of
analysis that both defy and transcend national boundaries.
The article is arranged into three major sections. The first section details the origins
and definition of diaspora before looking at how contemporary technological
change has enabled diaspora to create new social spaces which are separate from,
and challenge, the territorial autonomy of the state. Building from this, the second
section analyses the mechanisms of identity interpenetration integral to a diaspora’s
creation and continuance, and the multiple loyalties that this inculcates. In con-
junction with notions of long-distance nationalism and the impact of lobbying,
these ideas are critical in helping to differentiate diaspora from other transnational
groups such as migrants and refugees. In the third section, the commonalities and
differences between diaspora and constructivism are laid out to investigate how and
POLITICS: 2008 VOL 28(1), 1–10
© 2008 The Author.Journal compilation © 2008 Political Studies Association
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