Europe and Eurasia Workgroup: Distant Cousins- How diaspora communities influence politics at home

Jun 27 2008 - 12:00pm
Jun 27 2008 - 1:30pm

Diaspora communities were once separated from their countries of origin by gulfs in time, information and personal contact. Aeroflot, Western Union and Skype have changed all that. So has the general global drift toward democracy - with exceptions of course.

What role does the gastarbeiter in Germany play in Turkish politics? The Armenian-Americans in Yerevan? The London-based Russian exiles on the Kremlin? What are the possibilties for promoting reform at "home?" What are the tactics? The dangers? And do they have a right to do so?

 

 

 

 

 

Speakers:

Vlad Spanu, The Moldova Foundation - promotes democracy in Moldova and resolution of the frozen conflict in Transnistria; runs an internet-based news service that informs Moldovans abroad and plays as independent media at home.

 

Nadia McConnell, US Ukraine Foundation - promotes democracy and free markets in Ukraine; runs programs ("Building Peace and Prosperity Through Shared Democratic Values); set up policy institute in Kiev

 

Avni Mustafaj, National Albanian American Council - promotes peace and economic development in the Balkans by fostering democratic policy, promoting respect for human rights, and conducting educational and developmental programs; serves as unofficial "embassy" for Kosovo in Washington.

 

Academic / Historian - to provide a historical context for the political role of diaspora communities around the world (Zionism, et al)

Location
Rome Buiilding Auditorium
1619 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC
See map: Yahoo! Maps
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