This paper gives instructive insights into the extremely close ties between the Eritrean leadership and the Eritrean diaspora. The engagement of the Eritrean diaspora in homeland affairs dates back to the beginning of the Eritrean struggle for independence. During the Eritrean war of independence from Ethiopia (1961-91), the Eritrean Peoples Liberation Front (EPLF) developed transnational strategies that incorporated the exile communities into the independence movement. After independence, these transnational strategies were maintained for the building of a self-reliant nation-state. As a matter of fact, the diaspora continues to play a significant role in homeland affairs through its ongoing engagement in the re-construction of the war-torn country.
The great degree to which Eritrean transnationalism has been established and institutionalized by the former independence movement and the nascent Eritrean state is remarkable. In particular, as they are pursued by a state with rare administrative and financial resources. The Eritrean leadership established a global diaspora with strong sociocultural, political and economic ties to their homeland, maintained over space and time. This success and the remarkable sense of commitment within the Eritrean diaspora contrasts with varying degrees of failure, similarly, to mobilize diaspora populations in other countries.
This research draws on a variety of secondary literature and recently emerging literature on Eritrean diaspora communities. Furthermore, it relies on qualitative research, consisting of semi-structured interviews with four leading members from the Eritrean diaspora. In accordance with the research objective, this paper is guided by the following research questions: (a.) What policies have been pursued by the former independence movement and the nascent Eritrean state to influence the involvement of the Eritrean diaspora in homeland affairs? (b.) Which role did the Eritrean diaspora play in the making of modern Eritrea? (c.) In which ways did the Eritrean diaspora engage in homeland affairs? .
Table of Contents
1.Introduction
1.1 Motivation
1.2 Research on Eritrea
1.3 Aim, purpose, research questions
2.Methods
2.1 The Qualitative Method
2.2 The Respondents
2.3 The Interviews
2.4 Position of the researcher
3.Theoretical framework
3.1 Transnationalism
3.2 Diaspora
3.3 Long-distance nationalism
4.The Eritrean Diaspora - An Introduction
4.1 Historical Background on Eritrea
4.2 The emergence and expansion of the Eritrean diaspora
4.3 The magnitude of the Eritrean diaspora
5.Interactions between the Eritrean state and its diaspora
5.1 The war of independence
5.2 Post-independence phase
5.3 Social influences on the diaspora engagement
5.4 Economic diaspora engagement
5.4.1 Diaspora tax
5.4.2 The purchase of real estate
5.4.3 Governments bonds
5.4.4 Construction
5.4.5 Remittances
6.Conclusion
Research Aim and Objectives
This study provides an academic analysis of the transnational ties between the Eritrean state and its diaspora, examining how the government has integrated these exile communities into its national project both during the struggle for independence and in the post-independence state-building process. The core research aim is to understand the mechanisms of this institutionalized engagement and the role of the diaspora in shaping modern Eritrea.
- Analysis of policies and institutional frameworks used by the state to mobilize the diaspora.
- Evaluation of long-distance nationalism as a strategic tool for the Eritrean government.
- Investigation of economic contributions, including diaspora taxation and investment.
- Exploration of social and kinship ties that facilitate sustained transnational involvement.
Excerpt from the Book
5. Interactions between the Eritrean state and its diaspora
The engagement of the Eritrean diaspora in homeland affairs dates back to beginning of the Eritrean struggle for independence. Ever since, the transnational ties between the former independence movement and the nascent Eritrean state have been exceptionally close. During the Eritrean war of independence (1961-1991), the Eritrean Peoples Liberation Front (EPLF) developed transnational strategies that incorporated the exile communities into the independence movement. After independence, these linkages were maintained for the building of a self-reliant nation-state. For decades, the Eritrean diaspora has been characterized by a common commitment to their homeland (Schmitz-Pranghe 2010: 4).
It is a partnership and it's a good partnership because it gives you a sense of belonging, you are not left out there by yourself and then you are also meeting the needs, the extreme needs inside the country, so I see we have a role to play. It's a modest role and I know that there is a lot more than can be done (...) I would say it's a model diaspora population especially for African countries today, who are here in big numbers. (Interviewee A).
Summary of Chapters
1.Introduction: This chapter contextualizes the close relationship between the Eritrean government and its diaspora, defining the research problem and the primary questions guiding the study.
2.Methods: This chapter outlines the qualitative research design, detailing the semi-structured interview process with members of the diaspora and the researcher's positionality.
3.Theoretical framework: This chapter presents the academic concepts of transnationalism, diaspora, and long-distance nationalism as the tools for analyzing the Eritrean case study.
4.The Eritrean Diaspora - An Introduction: This chapter provides the historical background of Eritrea and tracks the emergence and subsequent growth of its global diaspora population.
5.Interactions between the Eritrean state and its diaspora: This chapter examines the specific mechanisms, policies, and economic strategies used to maintain ties between the state and its expatriate citizens.
6.Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the main findings, reflecting on the institutionalization of the diaspora and the ongoing challenges of this relationship.
Keywords
Eritrea, Diaspora, Transnationalism, Long-distance nationalism, EPLF, PFDJ, Independence war, Identity, Remittances, Homeland, State-building, Qualitative research, Migration, Political engagement, Kinship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the intricate relationship between the Eritrean state and its global diaspora, examining how the former independence movement institutionalized its influence over exiled communities.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include transnationalism, the political mobilization of diaspora members, the influence of long-distance nationalism, and economic engagement through taxes and investments.
What is the central research question?
The research asks how the former independence movement and the nascent state influenced and harnessed the engagement of the diaspora in homeland affairs during and after the struggle for independence.
What methodology was utilized?
The study employs a qualitative methodology, specifically relying on secondary literature analysis and semi-structured interviews with four key members of the Eritrean diaspora.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It covers theoretical frameworks, the historical evolution of the Eritrean diaspora, and a detailed analysis of how the state utilizes legal and economic instruments to bind the diaspora to the homeland.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Major keywords include Eritrea, Diaspora, Transnationalism, Long-distance nationalism, EPLF, PFDJ, and Remittances.
How is the term "long-distance nationalism" applied to the Eritrean case?
It describes how Eritrean diaspora members maintain deep political and economic ties to their homeland, viewing their activities as vital contributions to the nation-state, regardless of their physical location abroad.
What is the significance of the "diaspora tax" or similar mechanisms?
These mechanisms serve both as a critical source of foreign exchange for the state and as a method to enforce national identity and ensure the continued participation of the diaspora in national affairs.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2013, The Eritrean Diaspora. Involvement in Homeland Affairs and its Role in the Making of Modern Eritrea, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1297843
