Diaspora diplomacy: Nordic and Baltic perspective

Abstract

The aim of the article is to offer a comparative overview of the latest developments in the Baltic and Nordic state diaspora engagement policies and outreach practices, and to further the understanding of the term diaspora diplomacy. In this article, diaspora diplomacy is understood as the use of Foreign Service, or other branches of government, to promote the systematic relationship, for mutual benefit, between the country of origin government, diaspora groupings in countries of residence, and the various interest associations in both the country of origin and country of residence. In addition to reviewing the diaspora outreach initiatives of the eight countries, the article also utilizes interviews with representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Baltic and Nordic region. The interviews with government representatives offer insight into how diaspora are regarded, if diasporas are thought of as a resource for the home country, and what are the possible future trajectories for diaspora relations.