German Institute for Global and Area Studies | Leibniz-Institut für Globale und Regionale Studien

Transnational Lives in the Shadow of Repression: Diaspora Youth and the Struggle for Democracy

This project investigates the role of the second generation diaspora in the
global struggle for democracy. It aims to understand how authoritarian regimes engage with or repress their young diasporas and the ways in which these youths either support or resist them. The project is as a qualitative comparative case study of Rwanda, Eritrea, Turkey and Egypt. The GIGA is responsible for the case study on Eritrea.
Swedish Research Council, 2020-2023

Cooperation Partners

University of Gothenburg German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA)

Head

Dr. Nicole Hirt

Associate

Prof. Dr. Camilla Orjuela

University of Gothenburg

Research Questions

- What strategies do repressive states employ to mobilize and/or control their second-generation diasporas?
- What are the motives, opportunities, and obstacles for second generation diasporas to mobilize in support of repressive government of their homeland?
- What are the motives, opportunities, and obstacles for second generation diasporas to mobilize against repression in their respective homeland states?

Contribution to International Research

This project investigates the role of the second generation, the children of migrants, in what one might call the global struggle for democracy. Authoritarianism is, alongside armed conflict, a key factor for forced migration, and non-democratic regimes increasingly seek to stifle dissent not only within but increasingly also across borders. Given the special position of the second generation – having roots in at least two countries –, this project aims to better understand how authoritarian regimes engage with or control their second-generation diasporas, as well as the ways in which these youths either support or resist them.

Research Design and Methods

The project is designed as a qualitative comparative case study of four authoritarian states in Africa and the Middle East with sizable diasporas. Whilst taking its point of departure in the Swedish context, the project identifies relevant groups, organizations and initiatives in Sweden, Europe, and the world. The researchers will analyse policy documents and other documentation, as well as conduct interviews with relevant actors.

The research team will map four authoritarian states’ strategies for engaging their young generation abroad by analysing policy documents and conducting interviews. Subsequently, the research team will study the young generations’ motivations, opportunities, and obstacles for either supporting or resisting the authoritarian regimes in their parents’ homelands.

The GIGA is responsible for the case study on Eritrea.

Preliminary Findings

In the case of Eritrea, second-generation diasporans retain a strong affiliation to their country of origin. However, some of them consciously exit from the Eritrean political realm and rather engage in their European home country, partly due to negative experiences with the Eritrean opposition in exile.

Chapter in Edited Volume | 09/2022