Identity, Diaspora and Development

Abstract

The Armenian diaspora started about two millennia ago. Today’s Armenian diaspora, largely formed during and after World War I, plays a prominent role in the country’s international relations, attracting foreign direct investments, sending remittances and boosting domestic demand. It has been argued that Armenians living abroad invest in Armenia, cooperate with Armenia-based businesses or send remittances because of their ethnic identity and their altruism towards family and friends. This paper discusses how Armenia can harness its diaspora’s potential through the cultivation of identity, development of certain institutions, financial tools and digital platforms. It looks at the avenues of diaspora–homeland cooperation and the critical role that the diaspora can play in the homeland’s development.