Concept Note
New Actors and Diaspora as Important Factors in Africa's International Relations and Development
.The field of international relations is witness to the ushering in of a new era. New actors, particularly so-called BRICS countries – China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Russia, are making a rapid entry into Africa and this involvement seems to impact the development trajectory of the African continent.
Together with these new actors, Diaspora can be considered as one of the contemporary global forces shaping the directions and trends of international development in the 21st century. This reality makes it imperative for governments to engage and partner with them for the development of their respective host and home lands. Diasporas, especially Indian and Chinese ones, are one of the major factors in Africa's international relations and development.
They are not only key drivers in development efforts but also in strengthening bilateral relations between host and home nations. This potential of Diaspora has gained growing international recognition, both in political and academic/research circles as well as among Diaspora members themselves. Increasingly, developing country governments, Diaspora community organizations, and others in the development industry are asking as to how Diasporas can be mobilized to transfer skills, knowledge, and resources to contribute to the socio-economic development of their countries of origin and building relations between two countries in a meaningful way?
The proposed seminar will try to map Diaspora within, to assess their historical background and contemporary socio economic positions, to evaluate their potential to play a catalyst role in promoting host countries relations with their mother countries. The seminar will also analyze the Diaspora policy of their mother countries and the issue involved in their role as resource for host countries.Concept Note
New Actors and Diaspora as Important Factors in Africa's International Relations and Development
.The field of international relations is witness to the ushering in of a new era. New actors, particularly so-called BRICS countries – China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Russia, are making a rapid entry into Africa and this involvement seems to impact the development trajectory of the African continent.
Together with these new actors, Diaspora can be considered as one of the contemporary global forces shaping the directions and trends of international development in the 21st century. This reality makes it imperative for governments to engage and partner with them for the development of their respective host and home lands. Diasporas, especially Indian and Chinese ones, are one of the major factors in Africa's international relations and development.
They are not only key drivers in development efforts but also in strengthening bilateral relations between host and home nations. This potential of Diaspora has gained growing international recognition, both in political and academic/research circles as well as among Diaspora members themselves. Increasingly, developing country governments, Diaspora community organizations, and others in the development industry are asking as to how Diasporas can be mobilized to transfer skills, knowledge, and resources to contribute to the socio-economic development of their countries of origin and building relations between two countries in a meaningful way?
The proposed seminar will try to map Diaspora within, to assess their historical background and contemporary socio economic positions, to evaluate their potential to play a catalyst role in promoting host countries relations with their mother countries. The seminar will also analyze the Diaspora policy of their mother countries and the issue involved in their role as resource for host countries. |
