World renowned experts will be investigating and debating the following areas: What are the main characteristics and organizational structures of contemporary ethno-national diasporas, and to what extent might their relationships and political agency with their homeland and host-society governments develop? Which communal strategies and tactics (and in which circumstances) are used by diasporas and which are most effective at influencing global affairs, particularly the foreign policy of central governments? What opportunity structures exist for diasporas in the post-modern and trans-state social, economic and political systems, and which are the most essential to foster and/or exploit (progression of spatial, historical, temporal factors)? In what ways do diaspora activities, and ethno-national identity maintenance in general, influence social and political security issues both domestically and in foreign policy?

The Symposium will consist of presentations and discussions of papers given by confirmed invitees including Thomas Abraham, Kim Butler, Nergis Canefe, Robin Cohen, William A. Douglass, Razmik Panossian, William Safran, Gabriel Sheffer, Ninna Nybery Sørenson, Kachig Tölölyan, and Gloria Totoricagüena.

Free and open to the public. UNR campus. Morrill Hall. Clark Room. Thursday April 27, 7pm. Friday April 28, 9:30am-4:30pm. Saturday April 29, Getchell Library, Lower Level Instruction Room #3 10:00am-1:00pm.