Understanding Diaspora Development

This book brings together new research that engages with the concept of diaspora from a uniquely Australian perspective and provides a timely contribution to the development of research-informed policy, both in the Australian context and more broadly. It builds on the understanding of the complex drivers and domains of diaspora transnationalism and its implications for countries and people striving to develop human capabilities in a globally interconnected but also fractured world. The chapters showcase a wide range of diaspora experiences from culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia. This work demonstrates the usefulness of diaspora as a concept to explore the experiences of migrant and refugee communities in Australia and the Pacific and further understanding on the peacebuilding, conflict, economic, humanitarian and political engagements of diaspora communities globally. The insights and findings from the breadth of research featured shed light on broader debates about diasporas, migration and development, and transnationalism.

Melissa Phillips is a lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at Western Sydney University, Australia. Her research focuses on migration, diaspora, migrant and refugee settlement, and multiculturalism. Melissa has a background in working for international NGOs in East Africa and the Middle East/North Africa on migration programs.

Louise Olliff works as a senior policy advisor for the Refugee Council of Australia and is an adjunct fellow with Western Sydney University’s Humanitarian and Development Research Initiative (HADRI). Her research and work in policy advocacy focuses on how the knowledge and networks borne of lived experience of forced displacement can be drivers of transformative change.