International Journal of Political Science (IJPS) Volume 6, Issue 4, 2020, PP 12-20 ISSN 2454-9452 https://doi.org/10.20431/2454-9452.0604002 www.arcjournals.org International Journal of Political Science (IJPS) Page| 12 Diaspora and Foreign Policy: A Global Perspective Dr. Nabin Kumar Khara* Lecturer in Political Science at the P.G. Department of Political Science, Kamala Nehru Women‟s College, Rama Devi Women‟s University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (India). 1. INTRODUCTION The term diaspora literally means “scattering” or “dispersion”. Derived from Greek word dia (over, through) and speiro (to sow, to scatter), the word “diaspora” was originally used to refer to the dispersion of the Jews to the lands outside Palestine after the Babylonian captivity. Since the late twentieth century, the notion of diaspora has been used to describe any ethnic population who resides in countries other than their own historical homelands. In its references to the diasporic experiences of Jews, Armenians or Africans, diaspora conveys a negative connotation due to its association with “forced displacement, victimization, alienation, loss” (Bhargava et al. 2008). In this sense, it is accompanied with a “dream of return”. In broader usage, it describes displaced people who maintain or revive their connection with their country of origin and includes a range of groups such as political refugees, alien residents, guest workers, immigrants, expellees, ethnic and racial minorities, and overseas communication (Rai 2015). Politicians, leaders, economists, policy planners etc. of overseas communities referred to the term „diaspora‟ for the people who were settled outside the geographical boundary of their homeland. The term „diaspora‟ has shifted its historical meaning of physically returning to the homeland to the maintenance of various kinds of linkages with the home country residing in the host country. Nevertheless, the global impacts of remittances would evolve in the monetary circle. Diaspora groups, efficient of continuing and spending in social, economic and political dimensions that comprise the earth, are of utmost importance and interest for the policy framers in home countries and host countries. Diasporas have emerged as powerful entities since they are recognized as „soft power‟ in the realm of foreign policy strategy and also as an agent or catalyst of economic development of countries of origin beside their active role in the host countries. For instance, in the economic sphere, the Chinese diaspora has been seen as a propelling force for its emergence as an economic superpower. The Chinese diaspora is one of the largest diaspora in the world. The United States, Canada and Australia now receive more migrants of Chinese origin than from anywhere else in the world. The diaspora are increasingly exerting political influence on their host countries and their countries of origin. In the Abstract: This article argues that foreign policy as a method adopted by countries to engage with other countries through discussions and negotiations. It helps countries to engage politically, socially, economically and militarily with each other. A key component of foreign policy is the response to the changing international positions. This article specifically focuses on the diaspora has become an integral part in the discourse of foreign policy of national states and also emerged as a powerful factor in developing relations between nation-states. The article traces the diasporas have emerged as powerful entities, since they are recognized as „soft power‟ in the realm of foreign policy strategy and also as an agent or catalyst of economic development of countries of origin beside their active role in the host countries. This article also argues how can international relations theories help to better understand diasporic activities, and how can the study of diasporic international activities enrich existing international relations approaches? In this context, the article will look into the diasporic activities that can be better understood by setting their study in the theoretical space shared by constructivism and liberalism.In the modern globalized world, diaspora has emerged as a very strong lobby group influencing the policies of both the home and host country. Keywords: Diaspora, Foreign Policy, Globalization, International Relations, Nation-States, Soft Power *Corresponding Author: Dr. Nabin Kumar Khara, Lecturer in Political Science at the P.G. Department of Political Science, Kamala Nehru Women‟s College, Rama Devi Women‟s University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (India).He can be reached through email: dr.nabinkumarkhara@gmail.com