Stephen C. Lubkemann

This multi-site project will address how "refugee diasporas" are becoming influential in shaping political, social, and economic outcomes within their war-torn societies of origin through an in-depth case study of the historical development, social organization, and political mobilization of the Liberian community in North America. The project will examine the development of transnational identities and strategies (involving simultaneous social and economic investment in, and forms of identification with, both host and origin societies) within this community. It will specifically focus on the community's involvement in Liberia's recent history of chronic conflict, in order to reflect on the growing relevance of diasporas to key global social and political processes.