TRANSNATIONALISM AND DIASPORA: WHEN IDENTITY AND TERRITORY COME INTO PLAY
TRANSNATIONALISM AND DIASPORA: WHEN IDENTITY AND TERRITORY COME INTO PLAY

Summary/Abstract: This paper aims at re-analysing the concepts of ‘transnationalism’ and ‘diaspora’ in the new political environment and the debate that has lasted for several decades. Theories have shown that they indeed may touch base when looked at from certain perspectives, but others have also stated that transnationalism parts with diaspora when the problem of home and belonging occurs (Vertovec 1996). One might wonder why the two concepts need to be put together in discourse. What is the logic behind this perspective? Who needs to compare them? Irrespective of their theoretical understanding, communities and individuals who have experienced migration and home-changing, better yet homeleaving, either forced or not2 , find themselves in the situation of reviewing their very identity and national affinities. Their social and legal status in the countries of destination becomes crucial not only at personal level but also on a more political one. Diaspora and transnationalism are obviously political acts, conscious or not. Moreover, one’s national affinities and citizenship may sometimes be a door that opens to opportunities, superior well-being and living, and even survival, yet at other times it is a door that remains closed to some. Indeed, the problem of belonging must not only be understood on a personal, psychological level, but as a worth-capacitated politically-based capital.

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