Engagement dynamics between diasporas and settlement country institutions : Somalis in Italy and Finland

Abstract

This study presents a comparative work on engagement dynamics occurring between the Somali diaspora1 and authorities in two countries of settlement, namely Italy and Finland. The analysis focuses on cooperation dynamics, on the one hand looking at how ‘external actors’ (governmental and non governmental)2 attempt to engage diaspora in development and peacebuilding in Somalia, and on the other hand how the diaspora3 attempts to get support from external actors for their efforts in development and peacebuilding in the country of origin4 The cross country comparison between Somali diaspora engagement strategies in Italy and Finland responds to the following three research questions: . 1. Which actors and opportunities can be identified in diasporas’ engagement dynamics in Italy and Finland? 2. Have different opportunities in the countries of settlement shaped diasporas’ engagement towards the country of origin and if so, how? 3. Have similar dynamics, partnerships and strategies been observed in these two settlement countries? [continues]