Description
Scholars have increasingly focused on the role of diasporas as significant non-state actors within the international system (Adamson, 2002; Cohen, 2005; Demmers, 2007; Kadhum, 2020; Koinova, 2012, 2010). Nonetheless, the extent of their interaction with external support systems and the potential for peacebuilding differs markedly across various contexts. For example, in the lead up to the peacebuilding in Iraq amidst post-9/11 events, the Iraqi diaspora has demonstrated a strong mobilisation (Bensahel et al., 2008; Kadhum, 2017). In contrary, the Afghan diaspora's engagement is viewed as a weak mobilisation. Despite several similarities, Iraq and Afghanistan have undergone markedly different peacebuilding experiences, with Iraq's initiative remaining ongoing while, Afghanistan's ceded, following the withdrawal of the US in 2021. This disparity prompts an inquiry as to how and why these two diasporas interacted with US support in distinct ways, as well as their varying durations of peacebuilding experiences. This thesis will systematically analyse the interactions between diasporic agency, and structures to ultimately develop a typology of factors that either facilitate or hinder positive relations between diasporic actions/agency, external support, and peacebuilding (Denscombe, 2014). Through a qualitative approach (Creswell, 2023), this research aims to deepen our understanding of how strong and weak mobilisation strategies impact the substance of external support in peacebuilding efforts (Bensahel et al., 2008; Bouma, 2000; Cottey, 2003; Kadhum, 2017; Krampe, 2013; Sharan, 2023; Vanderbush, 2014). By going beyond single-case studies, the thesis seeks to contribute to a deeper theoretical understanding of the dynamics of external support structures, the actions, and capacity of diasporas, and the potential for peacebuilding. This thesis will contribute original knowledge about the Afghan and Iraqi diasporas and will also help in spotting early warning signs of weak relationship patterns to prevent similar in the future.
