Diaspora in the Age of Globalization: A Case Study of the Iranian Diaspora in the United States

Diaspora, defined as the dispersion of a nation's population beyond the borders of its homeland, has assumed heightened significance in the era of globalization. The expansion of global communication networks has enabled migrant communities to maintain strong cultural, identity-based, and political connections with their country of origin, empowering them as transnational actors in international relations. The Iranian diaspora—particularly in the United States—is one of the most prominent Iranian expatriate communities, with over one million individuals of Iranian descent residing in the U.S., many of whom emigrated following the ۱۹۷۹ Islamic Revolution. This study investigates the political role of the Iranian diaspora in the United States within the context of globalization. The central research question is: how does the Iranian diaspora function as a transnational political actor, and how can this role be interpreted through the lens of globalization? The research assumes that diasporic identity, when sustained over generations, can mobilize political engagement, especially when paired with access to soft power resources such as elite networks, economic capital, and cultural influence. Findings indicate that the Iranian-American diaspora has transitioned from decades of political disengagement to becoming an increasingly vocal and organized actor influencing U.S. policy toward Iran. Through lobbying efforts, media advocacy, and civic participation, it has helped shape narratives and policy agendas. However, internal divisions and fragmented identities remain obstacles to unified political influence.

کلیدواژه ها:

Diaspora ، globalization ، dual identity ، Soft power ، Transnationalism ، Iranian-American Diaspora