Diaspora in Peace and Conflict

In the study of the role of diasporas in peacebuilding, it is increasingly recognised that the activities of subgroups within diaspora communities have contributed to both the continuation, and the reduction, of violent conflict in the land they call their original home. Current research on diasporas tend to be driven by case studies of specific groups. The challenge is to collect these rich, complex and unique stories into shared understandings of common or comparable structures and processes. Research is required to move towards more systematic comparative case studies that are critical in their analytical stance, and that allow identification and examination of the similarities and differences in patterns of experience. In short, it is important to move from the idiographic (individualising, particularising and interpretive) to the nomo- thetic (generalising, rule-seeking and integrative). While several diaspora and peace/conflict projects have been initiated, there remains a substantial need for solid, empirically grounded comparative research which is sensitive to the interconnections between power and methodology.

I would welcome enquiries from those planning research in a comparative or international vein, or locally on Northern Ireland. It is expected that applications will be in the region of 2,000 words.