Indo-Pacific Diaspora in Peace and Conflict (Routledge Research on the Global Politics of Migration)

Cogan and contributors explore critical political, cultural, and structural challenges facing Indo-Pacific diaspora communities through seven unique contexts, illuminating how these populations confront transnational repression and organizational fragmentation while rebuilding lives abroad.

Populations from many countries in the Indo-Pacific region have sought to resettle overseas, fleeing political unrest, ethnic conflict, political persecution and violence, discrimination and marginalization based on religious beliefs, and poor economic conditions. In seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families, severe challenges and obstacles remain. Drawing upon first-hand interviews, this book provides rich insights into the struggles of diaspora groups from Hong Kong, Thailand, Myanmar, India, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Each chapter explores unique cultural, economic, and political barriers faced by these disparate communities, from maintaining identity to confronting surveillance by home governments, while examining how diaspora organizations pursue political change, justice for human rights abuses, and international advocacy.

It is a valuable resource for scholars and students of International Relations, as well as human rights professionals working with diaspora populations or on issues related to authoritarianism and democratization.

Mark S. Cogan is an Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies in the College of Foreign Studies at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan. His research interests include Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region, as well as security studies, peacebuilding, counter-terrorism, and human rights. He is a former communications specialist with the United Nations, serving in Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East.