Diasporas in Conflict: Can the Jewish and Palestinian American Diasporas Contribute to Israeli-Palestinian Peace?

Dahlia Scheindlin

The vast mobility of the world’s population in recent decades, including millions who are moving due to war and violence

The modern histories of both Israel and Palestine have been heavily influenced by their respective diaspora communities around the world. Diaspora influence on conflict situations is not unique and can take a range of forms. The vast mobility of the world’s population in recent decades, including millions who are moving due to war and violence, has led to growing interest in the role of diaspora communities in conflicts. This heightened attention allows for some theoretical analysis and comparative insight in examining the role Israeli and Palestinian diasporas play in the conflict of their homeland. At a time when all avenues to resolution appear blocked, the main question to be addressed here is whether these diaspora communities can contribute to ending hostilities and reaching a permanent peace agreement.