Diaspora in the MENA Region and Beyond

Book excerpt: Diaspora in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region and Beyond is very relevant for emerging multidisciplinary Diaspora studies. The region itself has settled or long-term international migrants; Diasporas from neighbouring regions to Diasporas from distant places; Diasporas with the same ethnic/religious/cultural identity as that of natives, to Diasporas having a distinct and divergent ethnic/linguistic identity. The number of these Diasporic communities and their role in economic development is substantial. Their concerns and contributions require academic and research output to understand them and their potential to serve the domestic and foreign objectives of the host countries as well as those of world community.