Diaspora in Development (Hardcover)

In this edited volume, leading scholars and experts explore the extraordinary potential of diaspora communities in driving economic growth, shaping foreign policies and fostering global connections with India’s approach, offering a compelling case study. In an increasingly interconnected world, diasporas have emerged as powerful agents of change. This book delves deep into this phenomenon, and analyses how diasporic communities can become dynamic catalysts for development. It spans eleven insightful chapters, from India's strategic outreach to its global diaspora, to in-depth case studies of Indian communities in South Africa, the Gulf, Reunion Island, and Fiji. It goes further to examine unique models of diasporic engagement from around the world—such as the 3x1 Program of the Mexican diaspora in the U.S., the activism of the Hindu American Foundation, and the understated yet impactful Malagasy diaspora. With comparative insights from the Philippines’ private sector engagement and Ethiopia’s diaspora policies, this book unpacks the complex interplay between migration, identity, and development. Comparing India’s journey with other global examples, this book offers crucial insights for policymakers, scholars, and development professionals. It serves as a practical guide for democratic nations with market economies seeking to tap into the immense potential of their own diasporic networks.

Ajay Kumar Dubey is currently Professor of School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. He is former Rector (Pro-Vice-Chancellor) of JNU. He is founding Chairperson of National Security Studies at JNU. He headed Institute of Advanced Studies and Energy Studies programme at JNU. He has more than three decades of post graduate teaching and research experience. He published 10 books to his credit along with several dozen research papers published in research journals of international repute. He is the Editor in Chief of three international research journals, Africa Review and Diaspora Studies (by Brill Publications) and Insight on Africa (by Sage Publications). He is currently the President of African Studies Association of India (ASA India), and President of Organisation for Diaspora Initiatives (ODI International). His areas of interest are International Relations, African Affairs, Diaspora Studies, International Migration, Indo-African Relations, Development Issues and Political Science. 

Dr. Sushmita Rajwar is currently working as Associate Professor, at School of International Studies. She has formerly worked as Associate Professor, Department of Politics & Governance, Central University of Kashmir and as Assistant Professor at Department of Political Science, Maharaja Agrasen College, University of Delhi. She has completed her Ph.D from School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Her research interest beside other areas include Indian Diaspora in Africa and Global Indian Diaspora. She has been an active member of Organisation for Diaspora Initiatives (ODI), an international network of higher academics which publishes international journal Diaspora Studies (Brill Publication, Netherlands) She has published several papers and presented papers in many conferences and workshops in India and abroad on topics related to Indian Diaspora in Africa and Indian Diaspora globally.

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