Developed Country Diaspora Strategy Framework: Lessons from Ireland and Australia

Abstract

As developed countries become more and more interested in implementing diaspora strategies, this article reviews relevant literature for diaspora strategy design and implementation and distils elements of existing typologies into a conceptual framework for evaluating developed country diaspora strategies. The framework is then applied to the evaluation of the diaspora policies of Ireland and Australia, which emerge as examples of engaged versus passive states in relation to their diasporas. Interviews with diaspora engagement practitioners are used to elucidate the policies and practices that underpin diaspora engagement strategies in these countries. The resulting analysis has implications for theorising diaspora engagement and offers practical lessons for other countries looking to connect with their diasporas.