Middle Eastern Diasporas and Political Communication: New Approaches (Routledge Studies on Middle Eastern Diasporas)

This edited book explores the development and reconfiguration of Middle Eastern diasporic communities in the West in the context of increased political turmoil, civil war, new authoritarianism, and severe constraints on media in the Middle East. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating political and intercultural communication, the contributors investigate the rationale for diasporic politics, as well as the role of the transnational media in shaping diasporic political mobilization. This analysis of the media, situated within specific case studies, encompassing Afghani, Armenian, Bahraini, Egyptian, Lebanese, Syrian, Tunisian, and Turkish diasporic communities, reveals the variegated ways it influences diasporic politics and facilitates political action, as well as its influence on democratic actors residing in the Middle East. These new insights into Middle Eastern diasporas, political communication, and political mobilization are based on developments in the Middle East since 2011, and ultimately highlight how diaspora groups in the West relate to the situation in the Middle East, particularly in their countries of origin. The book is important reading for students and researchers working in political/intercultural communication and diasporic politics, as well as those with a general interest in the Middle East. Cover Endorsement Half Title Series Information Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of Figures List of Tables List of Contributors 1 Mobilizing and Mediatizing Middle Eastern Diasporas Introduction Diaspora and Mobilization Mediatizing Middle Eastern Diasporas Mobilizing Middle Eastern Diasporas Note References 2 Diasporic Political Communication Among Arabs in Europe: From Online Campaigning to Friendship Networks Introduction Arab Diasporas A Theoretical Framework for Diasporic Political Communication Methods Analysis Aspects and Principles of Diasporic Political Communication Involvement in Political Parties Forming Associations in Diasporas Online Campaigning and Media Outlets Friendship Networks and Communication Spaces International Activism Conclusion Notes References 3 The Power of the Media in Mobilizing Diaspora Support for Syrian Armenians: The Case of Kessab Introduction and Objectives Methodology and Method The Profile of the Syrian Armenian Community (SAC) The Armenian-American Diaspora Organizations Empirical Case Study Conclusion References 4 Beirut From the ‘October Revolution’ of 2019 to the August 4 Explosion in 2020: Transnational Solidarity, Social Media and Affective Communities Introduction From ‘Resistance’ to Solidarity: Lebanese Music, Digital Media and Political Activism in the October 17 Revolution Living Digitally During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Disruption, Continuations and New Beginnings ‘Revolution Is Born From the Womb of Sorrow’: The Song Verse at the Centre of the August 2020 Twitter Storm Lebanese Transnational Cohesion and Solidarity After the Explosion of August 4, 2020 Musician-led Initiatives for Disaster Relief: Local and Transnational Networks Conclusion Notes References 5 The Webinar as a Tool for Diasporic Political Communication to Counter Mis/disinformation About Syria Introduction Diasporic Political Communication and Mis/disinformation Methods Diasporic Political Communication About Syria Two Webinars and Two Stories About Syria Common Sense On Syria Discursive Practice and Organization Sociopolitical Context The Syrian Revolution: A History From Below Discursive Practice and Organisation Sociopolitical Context Convergence and Divergence of Discourses Conclusion Notes References 6 Arab Social Media News in Sweden: Site of Information Or Site of Struggle? Introduction Diaspora Media Community and Open Space Engagement Method and Material Material Platform Background Quantitative Data Analysis Agenda Interactivity CDA Trust and Mistrust The ‘Tyrant’ and the ‘Victim’ Utopia and Dystopia Conclusion Notes References 7 Digital Diaspora: The Case of Farkhunda and Afghan Women’s Resistance Introduction A Collaborative Approach: (Auto)ethnographic Research and Digital Methods The Case of Farkhunda and Its Circulation in a Digital Media Ecology How Images and Information Flow Across Afghanistan and Denmark Plural Feminism(s) and Their Different Trajectories ‘Together We’re Stronger’ – a Diasporic Networked Public An Afterword: What Now for Afghan Women? Notes References 8 Whom Do the Diaspora Members Interact With When There Are Elections in the ‘Homeland’? Introduction Diaspora as a Social Network (Social) Media Use of Diasporas Methodology and Challenges Findings The User Interaction Graph User-keyword Graph Discussion Note References 9 Making an Impact: The Role of Media Activism Among Bahrainis in London and Denmark Introduction Transnational Repression, Media and Diasporic Activism ‘We Make the News’ ‘I’m Crying Because I’m Not an Activist’ ‘Where Can I Make an Impact?’ Conclusion Notes References 10 Reporting On the Syrian Conflict From Exile: Examining Advocacy Strategies in Diaspora Journalists’ Online News Introduction Diaspora Journalism, Conflict, and Political Change Advocacy Journalism: a Theoretical Framework Methods Selected Media Outlets Enab Baladi News Website (1.3 Million Facebook Followers) Radio Rozana News Website (1. Million Facebook Followers) Research Findings Content-related Diaspora Advocacy Category 1: Content Promoting Underrepresented Voices: Challenging Traditional Sourcing Norms and Routines Category 2: Content Promoting Oppositional Stances: the Selection of Adjectives Category 3: Content Promoting Sympathy and Humanitarian Aspects: Story Formats and Angles of Coverage Category 4: Content Promoting Criticism/accusations: Advocate Frames Discussion: Theoretical and Critical Implications Concluding Remarks Notes References Index