Democrats abroad: What motivates core activists to engage in political transnationalism?

Abstract

Research into transnational political engagement of non‐resident citizens has largely focused on the Global South and less on the Global North. This article focuses on non‐resident United States citizens, or overseas Americans, asking what motivates them to become politically engaged. This article contributes insights to an insufficiently explored case. Drawing from 14 semi‐structured interviews with strongly politically engaged US citizens living abroad, this article shows that they engage in political activism for many of the same reasons as individuals from other countries, as well as ones which may be unique to the US case. Key factors include mobilising to change things at home, the role of the United States in the world, civic duty, fulfilling work and reactive transnationalism. The article concludes with policy recommendations and sets the scene for future comparative research, both within the Global North and between Global North and Global South non‐resident citizen groups.