Using a Role Theory lens, this book investigates Tamil diaspora mass movements and interest groups as marginalised forces of domestic foreign policy influence. Until now Role Theory has not considered diaspora mass movements as collective action actors, nor looked at how marginalised diasporas influence elite foreign policy decision-making.
Matthew K. Godwin employs a comparative, micro-level decision-making narrative that looks incisively at decisions faced by the British and Canadian governments in 2009 and 2013 towards the Sri Lankan civil war and its aftermath. Through qualitative, elite-level interviews and content analysis of other primary source data, Godwin convincingly argues that when diaspora interest group elites are leveraging the power of mass movements in concert with credible partisan advocates, they can influence role contestation. However, international institutional constraints on role behaviour may stymie their preferred role performance, especially if states are indispensable to the institutions their behaviour may unravel. Ultimately, Godwin concludes that some states can't behave ""badly,"" even when they want to.
This book will be of interest to students and researchers of lnternational Relations, Foreign Policy Analysis, Comparative Politics, Migration Studies and to non-government organisations who seek to influence governments.
By:
Matthew K. Godwin
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 229mm,
Width: 152mm,
Weight: 326g
ISBN: 9780367544928
ISBN 10: 036754492X
Series: Role Theory and International Relations
Pages: 220
Publication Date: 27 May 2024
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
1. Marginalised diasporas: A force in role contestation? 2. Diaspora role contestation in Canada and the UK: Theoretical and Analytical Frameworks 3. A marginalised minority: The Sri Lankan civil war, the Tamil diaspora and transnational regimes of marginalization 4. From Human Security to Enlightened self-interest? Canadian and British foreign policymaking permeability and international roles 5. Role contestation and the end of the Sri Lankan civil war: Protest, pressure and role performance 6. Role contestation for transitional justice: Role constraints and the Commonwealth 7. Conclusion: Diasporas are a force in role contestation, so what’s next?
Matthew K. Godwin holds a PhD from School of Public Policy, University College London (UCL). He currently works as part of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. His research focuses predominantly on diasporas, civil wars and on aspects of far-right movements. He has been recently published in Politics and Governance, Globalizations and Israel Affairs.
