Diasporas

This article discusses the origins and growing popularity of the concept ‘diaspora ’ and how forced dispersion, an experience associated with adversity, is increasingly seen as a strength and asset. Diaspora remittances and knowledge networks have become valued development options for national governments and international agencies. However, the increased permeability of borders, growing flow of migrants and weakened role of nation states have given rise to new concerns about the destabilising influence of transitional communities. The article offers an assessment of claims and counter‐claims, drawing on the experience of two of the world ' s largest diasporas, the Chinese and Indian, among others .