Den eritreanska transnationalismen. En studie av den eritreanska diasporans engagemang i Eritreas utveckling
TransnationalismEritreaDiasporaRemittancesSocial sciencesSamhällsvetenskaperPolitical and administrative sciencesStatsvetenskapFörvaltningskunskapSocial SciencesLaw and Political Science
The ability of emigrants to contribute to their homelands through the sending of remittances has been intensely recognised in recent years. This is especially true for developing countries for whom this money is seen to be an important source of funds from abroad. Eritrea is often mentioned in terms of success in the way they have mobilised the capacities of their diaspora. Since the Eritrean independence in1993 adults in the diaspora have been asked to contribute two per cent of their income to the Eritrean state. They have also been asked to make other donations at times of need. Although the Eritrean diaspora is deeply divided between advocates of the opposition and the Eritrean regime, many Eritreans have shown a strong propensity to contribute to their state. This thesis explores this remarkable tendency among the Eritrean diaspora members. Using theories of transnationalism their abilities and willingness to contribute are investigated. The explanations are found in the characteristics of the diaspora and above all in the strong sense of nationality due to the long fight for independence. There seems to be a ?tradition? to contribute and it is also interesting to note the rhetoric of the Eritrean state that is emphasizing the revolution and that involves the diaspora in the development of Eritrea. There are also indications of pressure on the Eritrean migrants both from the state and between the members of the diaspora.