Bringing the Battle ‘Home’: Protracted Conflicts and the Battle between Ethnic Lobbies

Abstract How do protracted conflicts abroad impact the relations between diaspora groups in their shared host state? Drawing from the rivalry between the Israel and pro-Palestinian ethnic lobbies in the United States, this paper develops an original framework for assessing the relations diasporas have with one another when their ‘homelands’ are in conflict. The Israel and pro-Palestinian lobbies have used four strategies, along with their accompanying tactics, to actively hamper the interests of their opponent. The results raise important questions regarding the extent ethnic lobbies represent their diasporas, as well as drive the need for further research into other prospective cases.