The modeling possibilities of the comparative analysis of heterogeneous diasporas: The case of Armenia

Abstract

The article discusses the problems of the effectiveness of a comparative analysis method used for diaspora studies. Depending on their nature, diasporas can be either comparable or non-comparable. The article provides a methodology for studying diasporas as well as its paradigm and implementation algorithm. It relies on the approach that one of the key factors of comparative analysis is whether the cases compared are comparable or not. Thus, it becomes necessary to reveal the nature of diasporas and their communities. To ensure the effectiveness of the analysis of comparable diasporas, the article proposes to classify the variables defining diasporas into two groups: identity variables and institutional variables. Identity variables can be used when there is a need for more detailed assessment of the nature of diasporas. The comparative analysis of diasporas or communities with the same nature should be based on institutional variables. The article examines the cases of the Armenian community in Russia and Lebanon to test the proposed methodology. It argues that these communities have different nature and thus their comparative analysis for the purpose of disclosing the prerequisites for the preservation of identity and effective functioning of institutions is senseless.