Revisiting Türkiye’s Diaspora Engagement in the USA

Abstract

Over the past decades, diaspora governance has transitioned from a niche academic interest to a central subject in migration studies and international relations. As transnational communities increasingly shape economic, cultural, and political arenas, states have expanded their diaspora policies to include both symbolic and strategic objectives. This article examines the evolution of Türkiye’s diaspora engagement policies in the United States, by tracing their historical development, institutional reforms, and recent initiatives targeting highly skilled emigrants. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in 2014 and 2022 and interviews with state and civil society representatives in Ankara, Washington D.C., and New York, it analyzes how Turkish policymakers have moved from cultural diplomacy to leveraging diaspora networks for economic and political influence. The findings highlight the fragmented and selective nature of these efforts, shaped by ideological divides and institutional disconnects. Situating Türkiye’s evolving diaspora policies within the broader context of Turkish migration to the U.S., this article highlights the divergences between state-driven strategies and the aspirations of emigrant communities.

Keywords

• Transnationalism
• diaspora governance
• Turkish-American
• highly skilled

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