Crossing the Cairn-Marked Border: Imperial Policy and Diaspora in Buryat Folk Songs

In my previous post, I introduced a Buryat folk song which described events which took place in 1727-1728. These events demonstrate the impact of imperial diplomatic policies and decisions on individuals and communities. In this post, I will provide an historical background for the geopolitical circumstances in which this folk song arose. I will also […]

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Language and Social Institutions: Koryo Saram, Part II

Whereas my previous blog post outlined the lives and livelihoods of ethnic Koreans in the Russian Far East prior to their exile in 1937, my next two posts will shift gears slightly, focusing more on the status of the Korean language among Koryo saram throughout the past century. This post will track the maintenance of […]

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Identity in Exile: The Expansion of the Circassian Nation?

Identity in Exile: The Expansion of the Circassian Nation Prior to the expulsion of the Circassians, or Adyge, from their homeland in the North Caucasus in 1864, the 1 to 1.7 million Circassians lived as 12 distinct tribes along the northeastern shore of the Black Sea (Richmond 2). They did not have a strong or […]

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Diaspora Diplomats: Harnessing Indian and Turkish Youth Activism

With the US elections coming to a close, revolutions propping up in various international regions, and other election cycles running their courses around the globe, it’s safe to say that the youth of the world has never been more politically active. From social media trends to on the ground activism, young people are actively shaping, […]

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Importing Nationalism: An Introduction to Diaspora Politics in India and Turkey

I was a high school freshman when Narendra Modi won the election as India’s prime minister in 2014. I had little to no knowledge of Indian politics, having never lived there nor understood the intricacies of the policies each political party pursued. However, my parents, grandparents, and community around me were ecstatic with the election […]

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