This study explores the power of ethnonationalist conflict-generated diasporas
(CGD) as external actors in homeland conflict by exploring the nature of their
political engagement on a transnational level using Internet Communication
technologies (ICTs), with Rwanda as a case study. Virtual ethnography was
chosen as the research methodology to explore the online activities of
Rwandan CGD using social media (social networking sites) to form virtual
transnational networks for political purposes. Diasporic online formations and
activities were mapped in order to gain increased insights into ways that CGD
use social media to engage in homeland conflict, and the effect their
engagement has on the conflict cycle in the home country. Results of the
study revealed that Rwandan CGDs demonstrate attitudes and motivations to
act in ways that are consistent with other case studies of CGD, including
exhibiting an enduring commitment and loyalty to co-ethnics, a romanticized
conceptualization of homeland and a myth of return home. The results also
revealed Rwandan CGDs¿ strong propensity to use social media to engage in
homeland conflict on a political level through the development of a large and
dense transnational network used for a range of political purposes, including
the dissemination of genocide denial and propaganda consistent with the pre-genocide
propaganda campaign. Implications for peace-building and conflict
analysis are discussed.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BRADFORD/oai:bradscholars.brad.ac.uk:10454/6417 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Martin, Michelle E. |
| Contributors | Whitman, Jim R. |
| Publisher | University of Bradford, Department of Peace Studies |
| Source Sets | Bradford Scholars |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis, doctoral, PhD |
| Rights | <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" /></a><br />The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Licence</a>. |
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