The Eritrean Diaspora. Involvement in Homeland Affairs and its Role in the Making of Modern Eritrea

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

Objectives and Key Themes

This research paper aims to explore the intricate relationship between the Eritrean government and its diaspora, examining the policies implemented to engage the diaspora in homeland affairs and the diaspora's role in shaping modern Eritrea. It investigates the methods of engagement, both social and economic, and seeks to understand the remarkable success of this transnational relationship.

• The policies employed by the Eritrean government and the EPLF to engage the diaspora.
• The diverse roles the Eritrean diaspora played in the creation of modern Eritrea.
• The various ways the Eritrean diaspora engaged in homeland affairs (social, economic, political).
• The success of Eritrean transnationalism compared to other diaspora mobilization efforts.
• The theoretical frameworks of transnationalism, diaspora, and long-distance nationalism in the Eritrean context.

Chapter Summaries

1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the research, outlining the motivation behind the study, which centers on the unique relationship between Eritrea and its diaspora. It reviews existing literature on Eritrea and clearly defines the research aim, purpose, and key research questions guiding the investigation. These questions explore the policies used to involve the diaspora in Eritrean affairs, the diaspora's contribution to modern Eritrea, and the specific forms of diaspora engagement in the homeland. The chapter establishes a foundation for understanding the scope and significance of the research.

2. Methods: This chapter details the methodological approach employed in the study. It elaborates on the use of qualitative research methods, specifically semi-structured interviews with four key members of the Eritrean diaspora. The chapter justifies the choice of qualitative methods, explaining their suitability for exploring the complex dynamics of the Eritrean diaspora's relationship with the homeland. It also transparently discusses the researcher's positionality and its potential impact on the findings. The selection of interviewees and the interview process itself are meticulously described to ensure methodological rigor and transparency.

3. Theoretical framework: This chapter establishes the theoretical underpinnings of the study, examining relevant theories of transnationalism, diaspora studies, and long-distance nationalism. These frameworks provide the analytical lenses through which the researcher interprets the data collected from the interviews and secondary sources. The chapter carefully explains how these theoretical concepts relate to the Eritrean context, highlighting their applicability and limitations in understanding the unique features of Eritrean diaspora engagement. The chapter integrates the theoretical framework to provide a cohesive structure for the analysis of the Eritrean case.

4. The Eritrean Diaspora - An Introduction: This chapter provides a historical overview of Eritrea, tracing its background to set the context for the emergence and growth of the Eritrean diaspora. It explores the factors that contributed to the diaspora's expansion, detailing the historical events and circumstances that led to significant migration patterns. The chapter then analyzes the size and demographics of the Eritrean diaspora, providing a comprehensive picture of its global distribution and characteristics, making a crucial contribution to the understanding of the context for the later chapters.

5. Interactions between the Eritrean state and its diaspora: This chapter forms the core of the research, delving into the interactions between the Eritrean state and its diaspora. It examines these interactions across different phases: the war of independence, the post-independence period, and the ongoing social and economic engagement. The chapter analyzes the different policies and strategies employed by the Eritrean government to actively involve its diaspora in nation-building, both during and after the struggle for independence. It explores the various forms of diaspora engagement, including economic contributions (diaspora tax, remittances, investment), and social contributions, emphasizing the strength and institutionalization of these ties.

Keywords

Eritrea, diaspora, transnationalism, long-distance nationalism, nation-building, homeland engagement, Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF), remittances, diaspora tax, qualitative research, semi-structured interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions: Eritrean Diaspora Engagement with the Homeland

What is the main focus of this research paper?

This research paper explores the complex relationship between the Eritrean government and its diaspora, analyzing the policies used to engage the diaspora in homeland affairs and the diaspora's role in shaping modern Eritrea. It investigates both social and economic engagement methods and aims to understand the success of this transnational relationship.

What are the key themes explored in the research?

Key themes include the policies employed by the Eritrean government to engage the diaspora; the various roles the Eritrean diaspora played in creating modern Eritrea; the ways the diaspora engaged in homeland affairs (socially, economically, and politically); the success of Eritrean transnationalism compared to other diaspora mobilization efforts; and the application of theoretical frameworks like transnationalism, diaspora studies, and long-distance nationalism to the Eritrean context.

What methodology was used in this research?

The research employed a qualitative methodology, primarily using semi-structured interviews with four key members of the Eritrean diaspora. The choice of qualitative methods was justified by their suitability for exploring the complex dynamics of the relationship between the Eritrean diaspora and the homeland. The researcher's positionality and its potential influence on the findings are also addressed.

What theoretical frameworks are used to analyze the data?

The research utilizes theoretical frameworks of transnationalism, diaspora studies, and long-distance nationalism to analyze the data. These frameworks provide analytical lenses for interpreting information from interviews and secondary sources, helping to understand the unique characteristics of Eritrean diaspora engagement.

What historical context is provided in the research?

The research provides a historical overview of Eritrea, tracing its background to understand the emergence and growth of the Eritrean diaspora. It explores factors contributing to diaspora expansion and analyzes the size and demographics of the Eritrean diaspora globally.

How does the research analyze the interaction between the Eritrean state and its diaspora?

The research analyzes the interactions between the Eritrean state and its diaspora across different phases: the war of independence, the post-independence period, and ongoing social and economic engagement. It examines policies and strategies used by the Eritrean government to involve the diaspora in nation-building and explores various forms of diaspora engagement, including economic contributions (diaspora tax, remittances, investment) and social contributions.

What are the key chapters and their summaries?

The research is structured into six chapters: an introduction setting the research aims and questions; a methodology chapter detailing the research approach; a theoretical framework chapter outlining the analytical lenses used; a chapter introducing the Eritrean diaspora historically; a core chapter analyzing the interactions between the Eritrean state and its diaspora; and a concluding chapter. Each chapter provides a detailed analysis of its respective topic.

What are the keywords associated with this research?

Key words include Eritrea, diaspora, transnationalism, long-distance nationalism, nation-building, homeland engagement, Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF), remittances, diaspora tax, qualitative research, and semi-structured interviews.

What is the purpose of the Table of Contents provided?

The table of contents provides a detailed outline of the research paper's structure, allowing readers to quickly navigate to specific sections of interest. It lists all chapters and sub-chapters, providing a clear overview of the content covered.

For whom is this research intended?

This research is intended for academic use, focusing on the analysis of themes related to the Eritrean diaspora and its engagement with the homeland. The structured and professional manner of presentation makes it suitable for researchers, academics, and students studying related topics.