Diaspora and Soft Power

This book, based on in-depth field interviews, takes a fresh look at the phenomenon of diaspora communities exercising 'soft power' in the context of the Indian American diaspora in the US. By using an interdisciplinary approach, it marks a departure from the traditional study that measures the effectiveness of soft power sources by their popularity. Instead, it acknowledges the matrix of socio-economic and political factors, both internationally and domestically, which contribute towards the evolution of diaspora as a source of soft power. It focuses on how demography, policies and structural changes led to the evolution of an Indian American networking/strategic elite class. Exploring their participation in political fundraising and subsequent penetration into US foreign policymaking circles, this book analyses the foreign policy-related advocacy campaigns carried out by them and contributes to diaspora studies, foreign policy, international relations and political science.

Uses an interdisciplinary approach to understand Indian diaspora as a source of soft power in US foreign policy Analyses extensive primary data from in-depth field interviews with people directly involved in advocacy work Establishes a direct link between diaspora communities' exercise of soft power and foreign policy outcomes

Autorentext

Eva Loreng is Assistant Professor at the School of International Studies, Central University of Gujarat, India. She extensively researched the participation of Indian Americans in the political systems of both India and the US and is also interested in Indian American food culture in the US, as well as the culture and traditions of the Sidis, an African origin community in India.

Inhalt

Chapter 1 - Introduction.- Chapter 2 - Diaspora, Soft Power, and Foreign Policy.- Chapter 3 - Indian Americans in the Colonial Era.- Chapter 4 - The Cold War Years and the Indian Americans.- Chapter 5 - Post-Cold War: The Changes in Global Order and Policies.- Chapter 6 - Post-Cold War: The Transitions in the Indian American Community.- Chapter 7 - The Prelude.- Chapter 8 - The Nuclear Deal.- Chapter 9 - The Road Ahead.