Where does the diaspora fit in with Public Diplomacy?

Within the field of international politics, Public Diplomacy (taken here to include cultural diplomacy) has become an indispensable tool of statecraft. Public Diplomacy can and often is expressed in a wide variety of ways, some of which include international exchanges, overseas broadcasting and language institutes. Nevertheless, the power of the diaspora as an element of public diplomacy is far too often overlooked in academia and remains unrecognized by the public at large.

The diaspora can be used both as a tool and a target by their native government. In addition, the diaspora is a power in its own right by holding the ability to exert pressure over its native government. In targeting their diaspora, the native government strives to ensure that close links with the homeland are maintained and that the views towards the homeland remain favourable. Further to this, investments in the homeland are strongly encouraged. With that said, this post will focus on the function of the diaspora as a public diplomacy tool. Thus the homeland makes use of its diaspora to promote a positive image of the country as well as its culture in the host state. In addition, the diaspora become potential lobbyists in pursuing the interests of the homeland. (d’Hooghe, 2007 and van Ham, 2007, p.116-128)

When thinking of an active overseas community, the Jewish diaspora springs to mind. Israel has successfully cultivated its ties with its diaspora worldwide and frequently employs it as a tool in pursuing its national interests. In fact, Israel has a Ministry for Public and Diaspora affairs. However, instead of focusing on the Jewish diaspora which has already received relative much attention (see the Israel Lobby book), this post will highlight the Chinese overseas community. With over 40 million people outside China, its diaspora is the world’s largest. That, and the fact that the Chinese are present in over 130 countries make its diaspora a very interesting example. Attention should also be given to China’s active engagement in public diplomacy, sometimes lingering on the verge of hyperactivity. (d’Hooghe, 2007)

In China, the Chinese communities abroad were traditionally viewed in an unfavourable light. This stigma came under challenge by the Chinese Reforms (“Socialism with Chinese characteristics”) and gradually withered away. Instead, having recognized the value of its diaspora, China began to capitalize on it (Xinhua News Agency, 2004). Although Chinese overseas communities are diverse both in terms of origin and length (some dating back beyond the 19^th century and others recent), they do possess a strong shared identity and remain closely attached to their homeland. As such, the diaspora forms an active part of the national effort in achieving public diplomacy goals. In fact, China regularly makes use of its diaspora on specific issues. For example, when large pro-Tibetan demonstrations calling for a boycott of the 2008 Olympic Games in China were held in many Western cities, even larger demonstrations were held in support of the Olympic Games in Australia, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand where the majority participants were part of the Chinese community. Another example is how the diaspora has been charged with the task to lobby and promote a peaceful reunification with Taiwan. (van Ham, 2007, p.114-134 and Xinhua News Agency, 2005)

So where does the diaspora fit in with public diplomacy? It is clear that there is a role for the diaspora in public diplomacy, and that this is increasingly recognized by governments worldwide. With that said, the extent to which diaspora diplomacy impacts vary and must be properly analysed before any authoritative conclusions can be drawn.

Sources:

d'Hooghe, Ingrid (2007), "The Rise of China's Public Diplomacy", Clingendael Diplomatic Papers, no.12, July

van Ham, Peter(2007), "Power, Public Diplomacy and the Pax Americana", in, Melissen, Jan(ed), The New Public Diplomacy: Soft Power in International Relations, Palgrave Macmillian

Xinhua News Agency(2004), "Overseas Chinese Key Force in Nation's Revival", July 21, http://www.china.org.cn/english/2004/july/101732.htm

Xinhua News Agency(2005), "Premier Wen Calls for Overseas Chinese to promote China's peaceful reunification", May 21, http://www.china.org.cn/english/China/129487.htm