ENGAGING STATELESS AND STATE-LINKED DIASPORAS: ASSYRIANS AND ARMENIANS IN THE NETHERLANDS

The central aim of this research is to examine the complexities of relations between state, homeland, and diaspora by putting the existence and absence of nation-states as a salient divide between diaspora groups. At present, there have been few systematic, comparative studies that reflect commonalities and differences of stateless and state-linked diasporic networks. As the Armenian and Assyrian diasporas are two of the oldest diasporic communities in the world, they provide a backdrop for an expansive illustration of diaspora engagement practices in stateless and state-linked environments. The research studies pro-active diaspora engagement practices: transnational justice-seeking activities for conflict, post-conflict settings and human rights violations; collective remittances in support of the homeland and other transnational communities in need; diasporas actions in support to newly-arrived migrants. The findings of this research contribute to the field of diaspora studies by expanding understanding of the importance of homelands for diasporas and the complex relation of diasporas with the statehood dynamics of their homeland. The dissertation argues that “statelessness” and “state-linkedness” are not static and dichotomous, but rather contested and nuanced categories. Despite being neglected and dismembered from the “official” diaspora discourses, stateless diasporas find alternative links with territories within states that they refer to as homelands. Diasporas do this through their trusted networks and transnational institutions. Likewise, the existence of states is not a sufficient condition for diaspora-state cooperation. Despite the influence of structural factors, diasporas have the autonomy to decide on how to position themselves towards their homelands “of nation-state” and “without nation-state.” The research offers a closer look at the plurality of non-state organised actors in shaping both institutionalised and unofficial, non-institutionalised diaspora engagement practices.