diaspora

Diaspora refers to a population that is dispersed from an original homeland to other regions, while often maintaining connections with their place of origin and forming transnational communities. The term derives from the Greek dia- “across” and speirein “to scatter.” Originally used to describe the dispersion of Jews after the Babylonian exile, it has broadened to cover many dispersed populations around the world.

Common features of diasporas include a sense of shared identity or memory of the homeland, networks that link communities across national borders, and ongoing cultural, social, or political ties with their place of origin. Diasporas often sustain economic ties through remittances and trade, support cultural preservation through media, language, and ritual, and engage in homeland politics or advocacy from abroad.

Diasporas arise through a mix of causes, including forced migration due to persecution or conflict, conquest or coercive displacement, and voluntary relocation in search of economic opportunities or education. They may evolve through successive waves of migration, creating layered, multi-generational communities.

Notable diasporas include Jewish, African, Armenian, Irish, Indian, Chinese, and Palestinian communities, among others. Each diaspora has distinct historical experiences and patterns of settlement, yet many share themes of seeking belonging, preserving tradition, and influencing both host societies and their homeland.

Diaspora studies is an interdisciplinary field examining transnational identities, networks, and mobility, as well as the political, economic, and cultural dynamics that shape dispersed populations and their ongoing connections to origin communities.