This book is an interdisciplinary examination of several interconnecting aspects of migrant communities in the context of contemporary conflict and security.

It aims to illustrate how the diversity of migrant populations cross-cuts political, cultural, social and economic spheres of activity. The book builds a connected picture of contemporary migrants/diasporas that reflects the fact that they exist within, and help to construct, an integrated and multi-layered political, social, cultural and economic mileau. While empirically focused studies are often case-specific and, while rich in local detail, lack comparative breadth or the ability to make connections and see irregularities across a number of cases that might be of interest to scholars beyond that specific area. This work intends to connect these literatures together more thoroughly. In particular, it seeks to demonstrate that political, cultural, economic and social factors all play important roles in helping us understand the actual (and potential) roles of migrant communities in conflict and security within contemporary society.

The book has a thematic structure, with multiple case studies being used throughout the text, including the Palestinian, Sri Lankan, Irish and Somali diaspora communities. London will be used as a site for primary data collection, due to its multi-ethnic character and the vibrancy of its diaspora communities. A series of interviews will be carried out in London among several migrant communities to provide qualitative evidence linked to the central arguments within the book concerning the impact of globalisation and the new security environment on patterns of association at both political and cultural levels.

This book will be of much interest to students of migration and diaspora communities, peace and conflict studies, security studies and ethnic conflict.