1109) Globalization, Diasporas, And Conflict, Terrence Lyons

Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
George Mason University
January 2004

Diaspora groups link processes of globalization to conflicts over identity and territory. Globalization has increased cross-border migration and has increased ease of communication and travel, thereby encouraging on-going links between the original homeland and current land of residence. Widespread migration and easy communication in turn has encouraged the construction of new identities as groups living outside their homelands create new solidarities and social networks that link their homeland and their new place of residence. . .

Migrants forced across borders by war commonly have a specific set of traumatic memories and create social networks to retain their sense of attachment to the homeland. They customarily intend to return once their homeland is “free.” Diasporas – with their origins in conflict and their aspirations to return to the liberated homeland – often play critical roles in conflicts over territory and identity. They provide resources for parties engaged in conflicts back home and frequently have a particularly important role in framing the conflict issues. Diaspora groups tend to be less willing to compromise and therefore reinforce and exacerbate those dimensions that prevent constructive conflict resolution. This paper will explore how diaspora groups link processes of globalization and processes of conflict resolution and will illustrate these patterns . .

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