Writting Sample 1

public diplomacy and kosovo’s diaspora 1

Beyond RemittancesPUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND KOSOVO‘S DIASPORA

2 beyond remittances

This study was made possible by the generous contribution of the Embassy of the Kingdom of

the Netherlands, the Embassy of Finland and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Office in Pristina


Behar Xharra and Martin Wählisch

July 2012

Beyond RemittancesPUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND KOSOVO‘S DIASPORA


contents

INTRODUCTION 6

1. Kosovo‘s image abroad 7

2. Purpose of the study 9

3. Methodology 10

4. Outline of the study 11

PaRT 1 KOSOVO’S DIaSPORa TODaY 13

1. Quantitative data 15

2. Financial situation: remittances 16

3. Case study: the Kosovo diaspora in the U.S. 18

(i) Support by the U.S. during the conflict and

post-conflict period 18

(ii) Characterization of the Kosovar U.S. diaspora 18

(iii) U.S. albanian diaspora organizations 19

(iv) Relations between Kosovo albanian and Serb

diaspora groups 21

(v) List of albanian diaspora organizations in the

U.S. 22

PaRT 2 LINKING DIaSPORa

WITH PUBLIC DIPLOMaCY 25

1. Theoretical background 26

(i) The idea of Public Diplomacy 26

(ii) The roles of a diaspora in Public Diplomacy 26

(iii) Diaspora and policy-making 27

2. Strengths of Kosovo’s diaspora 28

3. Challenges to involving Kosovo’s diaspora 29

(i) The changing role of Kosovo’s diaspora 29

(ii) Governmental efforts 30

(iii) Diaspora outreach, acknowledgement and

encouragement as a practical challenge 31

(iv) Diaspora views of Kosovo 32

(v) Politicization of the diaspora 32

(vi) Further within-group differences 33

4. Diaspora success stories 34

(i) Rita Ora (singer, actress) 35

(ii) Petrit Ceku (award-winning guitarist) 36

(iii) Sislej Xhafa (contemporary artist) 37

(iv) Tony Dovolani (professional

ballroom dancer) 38

(v) Fadil Berisha (fashion photographer) 39

(vi) Xherdan Shaqiri (elite football player) 40

(vii) Fatmire Bajramaj (elite football player) 41

(viii) Lorik Cana (elite football player) 42

(ix) Luan Krasniqi (professional boxer) 43

(x) Ylfete Fanaj (successful politician abroad) 44

(xi) Famous Famiglia Pizzeria (world business

chain) 45

PaRT 3 COMPaRING DIaSPORa INVOLVEMENT

WORLDWIDE: CaSE STUDIES 47

1. armenia 48

(i) awards and incentives: stimulating diaspora

activity 48

(ii) Diaspora outreach through the internet 50

(iii) Sister school program 51

2. Israel 52

(i) Explaining Israel 52

(ii) Practical guidance for citizens 52

(iii) Diaspora-Homeland Partnerships 53

(iv) Israel Bonds 54

3. Rwanda 56

(i) The Diaspora General Directorate 56

(ii) The Rwandan Diaspora Mutual Fund 56

(iii) One-Dollar campaign 56

(iv) Youth conferences 57

(v) Other activities 57

4. Serbia 58

(i) Development of the Serbian Ministry for Diaspora

and the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church 58

(ii) Serbian Law on Diaspora 58

(iii) Goals and Programme of the Serbian Ministry

of Diaspora 59

Networks and acknowledgement 60

Business co-operation 60

Education & the Serbian language 61

CONCLUSION 63

1. Potential of Kosovo’s diaspora 64

2. Observations and recommendations 65

(i) Informal ambassadors 65

(ii) Opportunities to expand diaspora members’

roles within Public Diplomacy 66

3. Final remarks: beyond remittances 68


As a small, post-conflict country, Kosovo

has limited capacities to reach out to the

world. Lacking diplomatic recognition from

many countries, burdened with a negative

image, and still in the process of developing

its economy, Kosovo’s opportunities to win

support and strengthen its international

ties are restricted. However, Kosovo’s for-

eign Public Diplomacy could benefit greatly

from an untapped resource which has not

yet been fully utilized as a foreign policy

tool: its diaspora.

During the war and other periods of

economic and political difficulties, millions

of Kosovars fled the region. Though many

returned, the Kosovar community abroad

remains strong. Kosovo’s diaspora could be

an effective, cost-efficient agent to promote

the country, gain sympathy, mobilize sup-

port for its recognition, help to create busi-

ness opportunities and facilitate Kosovo’s

integration into a globalized world.

Kosovars abroad are affected by devel-

opments in Kosovo, but they can also assist

in shaping Kosovo’s image abroad. Thus,

bringing Kosovo’s institutions closer to its

diaspora, and vice versa, could be mutually

beneficial.

The role of the diaspora in the social,

political and economic processes of Kosovo

has evolved over time as the situation in the

country has changed. In the current post-

independence period, diaspora activities

could change gear in order to strengthen

Kosovo’s statehood, enhance its image and

empower Kosovars at home and abroad.

Kosovo’s diaspora presents an enor-

mous potential for the country: those living

abroad have the passion, drive, financial

resources and networks abroad. They have

knowledge of their home country as well as

familiarity with the cultures, language, life

and politics of their present host coun-

tries. In this regard, they represent bridges

between Kosovo and the rest of the world,

serving on a day-to-day basis as ambassa-

dors.

introduction


Since its independence in 2008, a wave of

negative international media coverage has

greatly harmed the image and reputation of

Kosovo abroad. In December 2010, a report

linked Kosovo politicians to war crimes and

corruption during the war. In summer 2011,

pictures of a burning border checkpoint

brought Kosovo back into the news.

Unfortunately, Kosovo’s diaspora has

often generated a negative image for the

country too. In 2009, reports about “a Koso-

var refugee”, who shot his ex-girlfriend and

four other people in Finland dead before

committing suicide, was a main news item,

right after reports about Kosovo’s first year

of independence. In March 2011, an attack

against U.S. soldiers at Frankfurt airport in

Germany was framed in the news as a terror

attack by a “radical Islamic Kosovar from

Mitrovica.”

Most recently, in February 2012, the BBC

reported that nineteen youngsters, “con-

sidered to be Kosovar”, were arrested over

knife attacks in Trafalgar Square in Lon-

don. CNN reported on a Florida bomb plot

suspect pleading not guilty, emphasizing

that he is “a naturalized american born in

Kosovo.” a U.S. commentator on the article

remarked: “Bravo to Bill Clinton, we declare

war to protect Kosovo, and this what we get

in return.”

1. kosovo’s image abroad

DEVELOPMENTS IN KOSOVO SHAPE THE IMAGE OF ITS DIASPORA, BUT DIASPORA ALSO SHAPES THE IMAGE OF KOSOVO.


Whereas these negative examples of

reports about Kosovo make it to the front

pages of international news agencies,

positive stories about Kosovo – such as

successful professionals and businesses, or

Kosovo’s music and sport talents – are not

yet in evidence.

as the 2008 study Image Matters by Fo-

rum 2015 and the Kosovar Stability Initiative

pointed out:

“Kosovo has a serious image problem.

In many European countries, the name

‘Kosovo’ still conjures up images of ethnic

conflict and organized crime. This calls for a

coordinated response by government insti-

tutions and civil society.”

The Kosovo government has undertaken

several initiatives to put the country on the

map. Its activities have essentially revolved

around two media branding campaigns,

Kosovo Young Europeans in 2009 by Saatchi

and Saatchi and Republic of Youth – Repub-

lic of Beauty, Republic of Kosovo in 2012

on CNN News, with a total cost of around

€6.7 million. The Ministry of Foreign affairs

has appointed a Deputy Minister for Public

Diplomacy, and since June 2011 Kosovo

has had a Minister for Diaspora. In part-

nership with the British Council and local

non-governmental organizations, several

conferences have been organized with civil

society and politicians across the spectrum

in the five European countries that have not

recognized Kosovo.

as the 2008 study Image Matters high-

lighted: “Image matters; especially for a

young state like Kosovo eager to become

active in world diplomacy, attract investors

and join Euro-atlantic institutions. With

international recognitions still hanging in

the balance, the country’s reputation is of

greatest importance.” This call certainly

remains valid today.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED READING

n Martin Waehlisch and Behar Xharra, Public Diplo-

macy of Kosovo: Status Quo, Challenges, and Options,

Friedrich Ebert Foundation Pristina Office, Sept. 2010,

available at http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/ko-

sovo/07845.pdf

n Image Matters: Deconstructing Kosovo’s Image

Problem, Forum 2015 and Kosovar Stability Initiative,

Nov. 2008, available at http://www.iksweb.org/Photos/

Publikimet/Images/Imazhi_%C3%a7on_pesh%C3%aB!/

enIMIDZ_english.pdf


The study feeds into the ongoing politi-

cal debate about diaspora issues and Public

Diplomacy. Its aim is to highlight the role

of Kosovo’s diaspora as a resource for the

country’s Public Diplomacy. The overview

provided in this study gives insights into the

status quo, challenges and opportunities for

engaging Kosovo’s diaspora in enhancing

the country’s image, which could ultimately

aid the country’s diplomatic and economic

development.

This study argues that the role of

Kosovo’s diaspora is at a critical point: it is

primarily perceived as a provider of remit-

tances and investments in Kosovo, but is

beginning to be acknowledged as a catalyst

for international links and a means of facili-

tating foreign trade.

The study’s objective is to motivate

further creative thinking about the major

advantages of a stronger diaspora compo-

nent to Kosovo’s Public Diplomacy, knowing

that this study can only be a starting point

for a national dialogue on the topic. The

intended readership is both governmental

institutions and diaspora groups.

2. purpose of the study


Besides identifying challenges and

obstacles, this study focuses on the success

stories of Kosovars abroad and the potential

of public-private collaboration. The study

also brings together comparative experi-

ences from other countries on diaspora

matters and explores the existing efforts of

the Kosovo government.

Besides desk research, the study is based

on interviews with Kosovar politicians

and diplomats as well as various diaspora

groups and individuals. In preparation for

the study, two round table discussions were

held, one in Pristina and one in New York, in

February 2012. In partnership with Democ-

racy for Development (D4D), a “Tuesday

Salon” in Pristina hosted the Minister for

Diaspora, Ibrahim Makolli, and several lo-

cal non-governmental organizations. With

the support of the Harriman Institute for

Russian, Eurasian, and Eastern European

Studies and the School of International and

Public affairs (SIPa), an expert talk at Co-

lumbia University connected public officials

(such as former Kosovo ambassador to the

U.S. avni Spahiu), scholars, diaspora leaders

and activists, media experts and private

sector representatives from New York and

Washington D.C. to discuss the inclusion of

the diaspora in Kosovo’s Public Diplomacy.

In addition, a public online survey collected

ideas and comments. The focus of this study

is on the assessment of qualitative data

gathered during these interviews and round

tables.

References to additional knowledge

resources are provided throughout the

booklet to point the reader towards further

research.

3. methodology


The study is in three parts. The first

focuses on the status quo, looking at quan-

titative data, remittances and the Kosovo

diaspora in the U.S. as an introductory case

study. The second part gives insights into

the theoretical background of connect-

ing public diplomacy and diaspora, and

elaborates on the challenges and strengths

presented by the changing role of Kosovo’s

diaspora. This part also elaborates on suc-

cess stories of Kosovo’s diaspora. The third

part gives an overview of comparative exam-

ples, including case studies from armenia,

Israel, Rwanda, and Serbia, offering intrigu-

ing lessons learnt and practical solutions.

The study concludes with reflections to

guide the next steps in strategizing diaspora

involvement in the country’s foreign policy.

4. outline of the study GET INVOLVED

To encourage participation in the debate about

Kosovo’s Diaspora, the authors invite all readers to

share their views and ideas.

n Please visit http://www.kosovodiaspora.org and

give your views, or write directly to

[email protected]

n For further studies on Kosovo’s foreign policy, visit

the website of the Foreign Policy Club:

http://www.foreignpolicyclub.org/

WEBLINKS TO GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS

n Kosovo Ministry of Diaspora:

https://med.rks-gov.net/

n Kosovo Ministry of Foreign affairs:

http://www.mfa-ks.net/


part 1 kosovo’s diaspora today


1,733,872 feb 2012

KOSOVO’S POPULATION Source: Statistical Office of Kosovo, http://esk.rks-gov.net

84,437 dec 2009

KOSOVARS LIVING IN GERMANYSource: Statistical Office Germany, http://de.statista.

com/statistik/dat en/studie/1221/umfrage/anzahl-der-

auslaender-in-deutschland-nach-herkunftsland/

63,465 dec 2010

KOSOVARS LIVING IN SWITZERLAND Source: Statistical Office Switzerland, http://www.bfs.

admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/themen/01/07/blank/

key/01/01.Document.20591.xls

ger

ch

RKS


Currently, only a limited amount of

quantitative data about Kosovo’s diaspora

is available. Although the Statistical Office

of Kosovo has published the preliminary

results of the 2011 Kosovo population and

housing census, there are still no reliable

census data on migration. However, the

Statistical Office has announced that it is in

the process of preparing a questionnaire to

assess how many Kosovars live abroad (the

non-resident population), in order to move

towards data collection regarding emigra-

tion and the diaspora.

Several studies on Kosovo’s diaspora

have estimated that one in three house-

holds in Kosovo have one or more members

who live abroad. according to the 2009 study

by the FDI and Swiss Cooperation Office

on Diaspora as a Driving Force for Develop-

ment in Kosovo, this figure is probably “an

underestimation”.

The 2010 UNDP Kosovo Remittances

Study repeats “a common yet disputed

estimate” that about 800,000 Kosovars live

abroad. 300,000 Kosovars are thought to

live in Germany, 155,000 in Switzerland.

The UNDP study is based on the number of

“Kosovo albanians”, which may affect its ac-

curacy. as UNDP highlights, it is frequently

estimated that “every third Kosovar today

lives abroad”, but this has not been con-

firmed.

1. quantitative data

“The investment-linked risk perceived by the diaspora is smaller than the risk perceived by other potential investors. It must be said that the global overseas diaspora invests practically nothing, while the European diaspora invests the equivalent of 15% of Kosovo’s GDP, which represents 10% of total investments. Further proof of the importance of the diaspora: it accounts for 70% of company acquisitions.”

Source: Economic and Social Development in Kosovo: a

Challenge for the Political Stabilisation of the Region (austrian-

French Centre for Rapprochement in Europe, 2006), p. 3.


Remittances, which are monetary trans-

fers from Kosovars abroad back to their

home country, have been a core contribu-

tion from the diaspora to the development

of the country.

as the International Monetary Fund

(IMF) concluded in 2011, Kosovo’s economy

still depends to a great extent on remittanc-

es and direct investment from the Kosovar

diaspora. “Remittances from Kosovars

living abroad boosted consumption, while

foreign direct investment fuelled construc-

tion activity,” the IMF stated. It emphasized

that “Kosovo’s growth model needs reori-

entation”. Up to now, growth has relied on

exceptionally high remittances from abroad,

“but longer-term prospects for these flows

are subdued as diaspora Kosovars integrate

more closely into their host countries”.

as the Southeast European Times

reported in November 2011, data from

Kosovo Central Bank indicates that diaspora

remittances for the first quarter of 2011

were about 4% than during the same period

in 2010. according to the Central Bank,

Kosovars living abroad send more than 500

million euros to their families in Kosovo an-

nually, amounting to 11 % of GDP.

as Kosovo enters its fourth year of

independence, the question is whether its

diaspora can extend its contribution beyond

remittances in order to become an inte-

grated and active part of Kosovo’s Public

Diplomacy.

2. financial situation: remittancesFURTHER RECOMMENDED READING

n Kosovo: Concluding Statement of the 2011 Consulta-

tion Mission, IMF, May 30, 2011, http://www.imf.org/

external/np/ms/2011/060111.htm

n Diaspora Remittances Sustain Kosovo Families,

Economy, Southeast European Times, Nov. 28, 2011,

http://setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/fea-

tures/setimes/features/2011/11/28/feature-04

n Kosovo Remittance Study 2010, UNDP Kosovo, 2010,

http://www.ks.undp.org/repository/docs/Final-eng-

lish.pdf

“Based on self-declaration of business owners, a quarter of all their businesses were opened with the support from Diaspora. This support has mainly come through cash (42.9 percent), through joint investment (11.5 percent) through support in the form of vehicles, equipment, raw materials etc. through links with companies abroad (0.7 percent), through their know-how and education (3 percent), through professional skills (4.6 percent). 9 percent did not specify the type of support received while 21.8 percent gave multiple answers.”

Source: Diaspora as a driving force for development in Kosovo:

Myth or Reality? (FDI and Swiss Corporation Office, 2009), p. 6.


billion. world remitance$325215million. world migrants

+10%gdp of countries

“There are more than 215 million in-

ternational migrants in the world.

Recorded remittances received by

developing countries, estimated to

be US$325 billion in 2010, far exceed

the volume of official aid flows and

constitute more than 10 percent

of gross domestic product (GDP) in

many developing countries.”

Source: Worldbank Migration and Remittances

Factbook 2011, http://data.worldbank.org/data-

catalog/migration-and-remittances

100 mln

“Research shows that the substantial Kosovo diaspora has a high tendency to remit (…). For example, IOM [International Organization for Migration] found that among immigrants from Albania, Macedonia, and Kosovo in Belgium, Italy, Germany and United Kingdom, Kosovar immigrants had the highest tendency to remit (63 per cent, compared to 52 per cent on average amongst all groups of immigrants, 47 per cent amongst Albanians and 32 per cent amongst Macedonians). In turn, several sources show that remittances constitute one of the biggest sources of income in Kosovo, though the estimates of their exact amount differ substantially, varying between €375 million and €540 million (…). This is due to inaccurate data on population, migration rates and also money transfer in Kosovo (…). Remittances nevertheless consist of a substantial part of the GDP (…), with the level is expected to remain relatively stable in the near future (…).”

Source: Zana Vathi and Richard Black, Migration and Poverty

Reduction in Kosovo (Development Research Centre on

Migration, Globalization and Poverty, 2007), p. 18.


although not the largest Kosovo dias-

pora community in the world, Kosovo’s dias-

pora in the United States is often considered

to be the one which can make the most im-

pact. This is partly due to the United States’

crucial support for Kosovo in the 1990s and

as it moved towards independence.

as interviewees for this study in the U.S.

pointed out, Kosovo’s diaspora is mostly

understood as albanians born in Kosovo liv-

ing in the U.S. or U.S. citizens with Kosovar

parents. This indicates a significant chal-

lenge for Kosovo’s diaspora involvement, as

the state is based internally on multi-ethnic-

ity, but within diaspora groups there is an

emphasis on ethnic division.

(i) Support by the U.S. during

the conflict and post-conflict period

The Kosovo diaspora in the U.S. was a

major financial contributor to Kosovo’s

parallel state institutions during the war,

supporting peaceful resistance under

Ibrahim Rugova and later the Kosovo Libera-

tion army (KLa). about 200 members of the

diaspora even enlisted to join the ranks of

the KLa as the “atlantic Brigade” (Batalioni

i atlantikut). Interestingly, the brigade was

composed of many young and second-gener-

ation immigrants, most of whom had never

even visited their parents’ home country

and spoke only broken albanian.

Within the U.S., the Kosovo albanian

diaspora, as part of the overarching albani-

an-american diaspora, informs and lobbies

Congress on Albanian-related and specifi-

cally Kosovo-related issues. More recently,

the diaspora has invested in and attracted

investment to Kosovo and albania, with the

economic development of the homeland

becoming the new goal.

(ii) Characterization of the

Kosovar U.S. diaspora

as expressed during the expert speeches

and individual interviews, Kosovar albani-

ans and albanians from albania or else-

where in the Balkans are characterized by

3. case study: the kosovo diaspora in the u.s.


their joint understanding of being a nation,

having the same ethnicity, speaking the

same language and having certain mutual

values.

In response to the question about their

roots and belonging, interviewees common-

ly stressed the dilemma of “One Nation, Two

States”, which makes it difficult to distin-

guish a distinctly Kosovar diaspora from the

overall albanian diaspora abroad.

at the same time, interviewees high-

lighted that there are cultural differences

between Kosovo and albania, and similarly

between their diasporas, given that their

20th-century history included a long period

when there were two separate countries.

a stated example has been, for instance,

that Western European albanian communi-

ties and Kosovar communities did not fully

mix in the 1990s and remained divided along

what appeared as two different albanian

identities. This changed with the ensuing

1999 war in Kosovo, when albanians ex-

pelled from Kosovo sought refuge in neigh-

bouring albania and Macedonia. Ever since

then, and with the open borders between

Kosovo and albania, cultural, political, eco-

nomic and personal ties between albanians

have strengthened.

(iii) U.S. albanian diaspora organizations

The albanian-american diaspora, includ-

ing both Kosovars and albanians in the

United States, united in support of Kosovo

albanians in the 1990s, especially during the

1999 war. as indicated by several interview-

ees, the connections between Kosovo al-

banians and albanians in the United States

at that time resulted in a blurring of the

boundaries between diaspora organizations

and immigrant communities.

The Homeland Calling (Vendlindja Thër-

ret) fund, for example, which supported Ko-

sovo from abroad, was headed by albanians

from Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and

albania. The same was true of the staff of

the office of the Provisional Government of

Kosovo in New York.

Currently, the main political advocates

and organizations representing the com-

munity are arguably the albanian-american

Civil League (aaCL) and the National

albanian-american Council (NaaC). The aaCL

also created the albanian-american Public

affairs Committee (aaPaC) to support mem-

bers of Congress who promote albanian-

related resolutions.

While aaCL was started as an organiza-

tion focused more on Kosovars and albani-

ans from former Yugoslavia, NaaC - a rival

structure set up by former aaCL members


- focused its mission on issues affecting all

albanian-inhabited lands, including albania,

Kosovo, Montenegro and Macedonia. The

other difference between the organizations

was that while aaCL was an outspoken

advocate of Kosovo’s independence and

also asserted albanian nationalistic goals,

NaaC was more moderate and advocated

albanian issues that were consistent with

official US policy. These organizations are

both concerned with albanian-related is-

sues, and while they may maintain a sort of

rivalry against one another, they accommo-

date albanian-americans, no matter what

country they originate from.

One of the oldest albanian-american

organizations is the Pan-albanian Federa-

tion of america - Vatra. While NaaC and aaCL

continue to be the main actors for politi-

cal advocacy today, in the past Vatra was

more prominent. It prides itself on having

at one time had 80 branches across the

United States and Canada. Fan S. Noli, the

most famous albanian-american, one of the

founders of Vatra and subsequently founder

of the albanian Orthodox Church, went on

to become Prime Minister of albania in 1924.

Vatra has recently opened its first chapter

in Washington, D.C. and intends to become

more politically active.

Other organizations include the

albanian-american National Organization

(aaNO) and the albanian american Women’s

Organization - Motrat Qiriazi. The albanian

american National Organization’s mission

is the promotion of albanian customs and

traditions and the fostering of unity among

the albanian-american community. aaNO

also prioritizes supporting the academic

achievement of the albanian community

and provides annual scholarships. Motrat

Qiriazi, meanwhile endeavours to empower

and improve the status of albanian women

in the United States. The organization

holds an annual event to celebrate Interna-

tional Women’s Day and name the albanian

woman and albanian teacher of the year. It

holds numerous events throughout the year

on women’s needs.

Lastly, the albanian-american Profes-

sionals and Entrepreneurs Network (aPEN)

is the largest professional network for alba-

nian-american professionals. It promotes it-

self as a platform for albanian professionals

and entrepreneurs to meet and collaborate,

while also promoting the economic develop-

ment of the albanian-inhabited lands of the

Balkans.


(iv) Relations between Kosovo albanian

and Serb diaspora groups

as interviewees for this study stressed,

while the albanian-american diaspora in

the United States is united in its support for

Kosovo, activities for the cause of independ-

ence have been continuously challenged by

Serbian diaspora groups. In this regard, the

underlying conflict between ethnic groups

is manifested too in the divisions between

diaspora groups.

an example mentioned in a few inter-

views is the role of the american Council

for Kosovo. The Council is a U.S. nonprofit

organization dedicated “to promoting a bet-

ter american understanding of the Serbian

province of Kosovo and Metohija and of

the critical american stake in the province’s

future.” according to the organization’s mis-

sion statement, the position of the ameri-

can Council for Kosovo is that the United

States should “not support a misguided

course of detaching Kosovo from Serbia to

create an independent Muslim albanian

state dominated by terrorist and criminal

elements.”

Both Kosovo Serb and albanian diaspora

members in the U.S. commented that, given

that there are only a few Kosovo Serbs with-

in the Serbian diaspora in the U.S., collabora-

tion between the Kosovo Serb and albanian

diaspora are “difficult”. The interviewees

believed that inter-ethnic cooperation is

more often to be found within Kosovo than

outside the country.

In this regard, an important aspect of the

diaspora communities is their association

with their “spheres”, rather than with their

particular countries of origin. as a region

where nation- and state-building has been

incomplete, diaspora groups have identified

themselves intensively with their ethnic

community and not their citizenship. This

situation poses a challenge for diaspora

Public Diplomacy efforts: how can peace-

ful multi-ethnicity be promoted as part of a

positive projected image of Kosovo, while

facing the ethnic fragmentation of diaspora

groups?

On the right: Bill Clinton statue, Bill Clinton Bulevard, Pristina Kosovo


MICHIGaN / ILLINOIS /

WISCONSIN

1. Lidhja e Intelektualeve Sh-qiptaro-amerikane – Michigan

2. Shoqëria e Studimeve Sh-qiptare / Society for albanian Studies – Macomb, IL

3. Friends of albania - Chicago, IL (http://www.friendsofalba-nia.net)

4. american albanian Cultural & Religious Org - Berkeley, IL

5. The albanian american Muslim Society of Detroit Inc - Harper Woods, MI

6. albanian aid Society - Livonia, MI

7. albanian american National Organization / Organizata Kombëtare Shqiptaro-ameri-kane – (Glendale Heights, IL; Waterford, MI; Merrick, NY; Burlington, Ma) (http://www.aano.org/)

WaSHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIa

1. National albanian ameri-can Council - Washington, DC (http://www.naac.org/)

NEW YORK aREa (NY, NJ, CT)

1. albanian american Civic League – Ossining, NY

2. albanian-american Women’s Organization / Organizata Shqiptaro-amerikane e Grave “Motrat Qiriazi” - New York , NY ( http://www.aawomq.org/)

3. “Vatra” The Pan-albanian Fed-eration Of america / Federata Pan-Shqiptare “VaTRa” – Bronx, NY

4. Federation of Balkan american associations (FEBa) – Clifton, NJ (http://www.balka-namerican.org/)

5. The albanian american Public affairs Committee (PaC) – Elms-ford, NY (http://www.aacl.us/)

6. albanian-american Enterprise Fund - New York, NY ( http://www.aaef.com/)

7. albanian Children Fund - New York, NY (http://www.albanian-children.org/eng/)


9. albanian american National Organization Scholarship Fund Inc - Ballston Lake, NY ( http://www.aano.org/)

10. albanian-american Profes-sionals and Entrepreneurs Network (aPEN) – New York, NY (http://www.albanianprofes-sionals.com/home.asp)

11. Jeta e Re (“New Life”) albanian american Community Organization – Brooklyn, NY

12. alba Soccer association Inc – Bronx, NY

13. The albanian american Chamber of Commerce (aaCC) – New York, NY

14. ana e Malit association – Staten Island, NY

15. New albanian Generation – Bronx, NY

16. Plave Guci Foundation – New York, NY

17. Dibra Motherland asso-ciation / Shoqata atdhetare Dibrane – Staten Island, NY

18. Shoqata e atlantikut / The atlantic association – Bronx, NY

19. The Society Of albanian-american Writers – Stamford, CT

20. albanian american advisory Council – Yonkers, NY

21. “Rozafati Parents” associa-tion of “Our Lady of Shkodra” Parish / Shoqata e Prindërve-”Rozafati” (http://albchurch.org/) – Hartsdale, NY

22. Council of Belmont Organi-zations / Këshilli i Organizatave të Belmontit – Bronx, NY

23. “Mother Teresa” association of “Our Lady of Shkodra” Parish – Hartsdale, NY

24. albanian Community Center - Wolcott, CT

25. albanian associated Fund Inc - Paterson, NJ ( http://mak-trader.com/ )

26. akademia Shqiptaro ameri-kane e Shkencave the albanian- american - Brooklyn, NY

27. albanian american Trade and Development Foundation Inc - Dunkirk, NY (http://www.

albaniabiz.org/front-page/index.html)

28. albanian-american Institute Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg - Staten Island, NY

29. american albanian Move-ment Homeland Unites US Huu - Bronx, NY

30. albanian-american Social Club Inc - Waterbury, CT

31. albanian american asso-ciation of New Jersey - Saddle Brook, NJ

32. albanian-american Develop-ment Foundation - New York, NY (http://www.aadf.org/)

33. National Ethnic albanian american Foundation Inc. - Os-sining, NY

organizations/community centers(v) List of albanian diaspora organizations in the U.S.



MaSSaCHUSETTS

1. albanian Immigration Out-reach – Worcester, Ma

2. The Frosina Information Net-work – Boston, Ma (http://www.frosina.org/)

3. albanian american Veterans / Veteranët Shqiptaro-amerikan – West Newton, Ma

4. New England albanian Relief Organization (N.E.a.R.O. Head-quarters) – Worcester, Ma

5. Massachusetts albanian american Society - Boston, Ma ( http://www.maasbesa.org/)

6. albanian american Medical Society Inc - Boston, Ma (http://www.albamedsociety.org/)


UNITED STaTES – Other

1. “Iliria”Cultural Center / Shoqata Kulturore “Iliria” - Car-roloton, TX

2. Open air Campaigners alba-nia Inc - El Cajon, Ca ( http://oacalbania.org/)

3. albanian Human Rights Pro-ject - Santa Monica, Ca ( http://albanianhumanrightsproject.org/ )

4. american albanian Encour-agement Foundation Tr - St. Louis , MO

5. albanian american associa-tion of Cleveland Ohio - Cleve-land, OH

6. albanian alps Institute - Corvallis, OR ( http://www.albanianalps.org/ )

7. albanian Health Fund - Sara-toga, Ca ( http://www.albanian-healthfund.org/ )

8. American Albanian Benefit Foundation - akron, OH

9. Organization for the Support of albanian abandoned Babies - Dubois, WY (http://www.osaab.org/)

CaNaDa

1. albanian-canadian Club “Rinia” – Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

2. albanian-canadian Commu-nity association - Shoqata E Bashkësisë Shqiptaro-kanadeze – Toronto, Ontario, Canada

canada

united states



CaTHOLIC

1. Kisha Katolike “Zoja e Sh-qiptarëve” / “Our Lady Of The albanians” - Beverly Hills, MI

2. Kisha Katolike Shqiptare “Zoja e Shkodrës” / “Our Lady of Shkodra” – Hartsdale, NY

3. Kisha Katolike “Shën Pali” / St. Paul’s albanian Catholic Church - Rochester, MI

CHRISTIaN ORTHODOX

1. albanian Orthodox Church Holy Trinity - Milton, Ma (http://www.albanianholytrinity.org/)

2. St. Nicholas albanian Ortho-dox Church - Chicago, IL (http://stnicholasalbanianchicago.org/)

3. Kryepeshkopata Ortodokse Shqiptare ne amerike / alba-nian Orthodox archdiocese in america – South Boston, Ma

4. Katedralja Ortodokse Sh-qiptare e Shën Gjergjit / Saint George albanian Orthodox Cathedral - South Boston, Ma

5. St. John the Baptist alba-nian Orthodox Church – South Boston, Ma

6. annunciation albanian Ortho-dox Church – Natrick, Ma

7. St. Mary’s assumption albanian Orthodox Church - Worcester, Ma

8. St. George albanian Orthodox Church – Trumbell, CT

9. St. John Chrysostom albanian Orthodox Church – Philadel-phia, Pa

10. St. Peter and St. Paul

albanian Orthodox Church – Philadelphia, Pa

11. St. Thomas albanian Ortho-dox Church – Farmington Hills, MI

12. St Premte albanian Ortho-dox Church – Cleveland, OH

13. St. Elia albanian Orthodox Church – Jamestown, NY

14. albanian Orthodox Diocese Of america – Las Vegas, NV

15. Holy Trinity albanian Ortho-dox Church – South Boston, Ma

MUSLIM

1. albanian Teqe Bektashiane in america – Taylor, MI

2. United albanian american Islamic Foundation – Flushing (Ridgewood), NY

3. albanian american Islamic Center / Qendra Islamike Shqiptaro-amerikane – Brook-lyn, NY

4. albanian Islamic Center of Kosova, Plavë - Guci / Qendra Islamike Shqiptare e Kosovës, Plavë-Gucisë – Bronx, NY

5. albanian american Cultural & Islamic Center “Hasan Prishti-na” / Qendra Kulturore Islamike Shqiptare “Hasan Prishtina” – Waterbury, CT

6. albanian american Muslim Community – Waterbury, CT

7. albanian american Muslim association / Shoqata Islamike Shqiptaro –amerikane – Phila-delphia, Pa

8. albanian american Islamic Center / Qendra Islamike

Shqiptaro- amerikane –Keno-sha, WI

9. albanian Islamic Center – Dunedin, FL

10. albanian Islamic Center Chi-cago / Qendra Islamike Shqip-tare në Chicago – Berkeley, IL

11. albanian Islamic Center / Qendra Islamike Shqiptare – Harper Woods, MI

12. Drita Hyjnore association / Shoqata “Drita Hyjnore” – Bronx, NY

13. Islamic Unity and Culture Center Of Plav-Gusinje – Long Island City, NY

14. albanian- american Islamic Center of Queens Inc - Glendale, NY ( http://www.aaic-of-queens.com/)

15. albanian Islamic Cultural Center Inc / Qendra Kulturore Islamike Shqiptare në Staten Is-land – Staten Island, NY ( http://www.aicc-ny.org/)

16. albanian-american Islamic Center New York and New Jer-sey Inc - Garfield, NJ

17. albanian-american Islamic Center - Glendale, aZ

18. albanian Islamic Cultural Center Inc - Clearwater, FL

OTHER

1. albanian Christians Inter-national (Protestant Service Organization) – Phoenixville, Pa

2. albania Canaan Missionary Foundation - Fullerton, Ca

religious centers(v) List of albanian diaspora organizations in the U.S.



part 2 linking diaspora with public diplomacy


(i) The idea of Public Diplomacy

Over the last few decades diplomacy has

developed beyond its traditional defini-

tion, according to which only governments

engage with one another. Civil society or-

ganizations, businesses, private groups and

individuals are increasingly involved in in-

fluencing public opinion on an international

scale and in shaping foreign policy goals.

Developed as a concept during the

Cold War, Public Diplomacy allows govern-

ments and the citizens of a given country to

influence other peoples and governments,

including modifying the latter’s decision-

making across a range of areas, from con-

sumer and trade relations to security and

diplomatic choices. In theory, each member

of society can play a role in Public Diplo-

macy to promote national interests, inform

and affect public opinion abroad. This can

fast-track issues of mutual benefit to the

country and its society. For small countries

in particular, Public Diplomacy is crucial as

it expands their sphere of influence.

In their book about the change of

discourse in diplomacy, Paradiplomacy in

action (1999), Francisco aldecoa and Michael

Keating argue that “politics and territory are

detached, as transnational political move-

ment or groups organized around common

interests compete with traditional forms.”

Public Diplomacy can thus be accomplished

by actors both inside and outside a country,

and foreign policy planning needs to take

the diaspora into account.

(ii) The roles of a diaspora

in Public Diplomacy

Migration can lead to friendships, busi-

ness partnerships, information-sharing and

cultural diversity – so-called ‘living links’. In

his article Diplomacy by Other Means, Mark

Leonard states that “diasporas can help

fill the demand for language skills… they

can provide cultural knowledge, political

insight, and human intelligence necessary

for successful foreign policy.” Leonard is

clear, however, that the diaspora’s impact

1. theoretical background


abroad is not necessarily positive. Those

who are seen as low-skilled, low-waged,

unmotivated, non-integrated, and prone to

committing crimes create a negative image

of their home countries.

as alaa abd El-aziz in his study on Scop-

ing the Role of Canadian Diaspora in Global

Diplomacy and Policy Making, a diaspora

can have various roles in Public Diplomacy.

Firstly, a diaspora can serve as a “cultural

broker” bridging the differences between

countries. Secondly, diaspora can be seen

as “communication highways”. as abd El-

aziz points out, diaspora communicates in

ways which transcend national borders and

national media, influencing policy-making in

their home countries and abroad in the pro-

cess. Thirdly, a diaspora can serve a political

function, transporting policy values beyond

a country’s borders.

(iii) Diaspora and policy-making

When a diaspora integrates in its desti-

nation country, it can influence policy-mak-

ing from within foreign structures. at the

same time, diaspora members are “trans-

national citizens” with vital ties to families

and friends in their home country, which

allow for a consistent feeling of attachment

while living and working abroad.

If Public Diplomacy is to succeed, the

capacity to mobilize and organize non-res-

ident nationals regarding policy issues re-

lated to home affairs is necessary. Diasporas

have a high degree of emotional attachment

to and passion for their home countries,

as the geographical distance makes them

prone to nostalgia. as Ralf Gjoni pointed out

in his reflection on the Albanian diaspora

as a foreign policy actor, “diasporas feel the

need to express their solidarity with the

home country, thus materializing their emo-

tional attachment into political activism…

such political activism can be quite efficient

and far more partisan than normal state

politics as practiced by the home country.”

Public Diplomacy is seen as an activity

carried out in many ways and with many

partners. Within this, a diaspora can be

viewed as a resource and a strong partner

in efforts to promote a country’s interests

abroad. Governments can take advantage

by influencing and benefiting from diaspora

networks abroad.


n Edmund A. Gullion, Definitions of Public Diplomacy,

The Edward R. Murrow Center of Public Diplomacy,

http://fletcher.tufts.edu/murrow/pd/definitions.html

n alaa abd El-aziz, et al., Scoping the Role of Canadian

Diaspora in Global Diplomacy and Policy Making,

Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation, Toronto, 2005,

http://www.gordonfn.org/resfiles/Scoping_Role_Cana-

dian_Diaspora.pdf

n Ralf Gjoni, “The albanian Diaspora: Foreign Policy

actor,” Blog, June 5, 2006, http://ralfgjoni.blogspot.

co.uk/2006/06/albanian-diaspora-foreign-policy-actor.

html

n Mark Leonard, “Diplomacy by Other Means,” Foreign

Policy, No. 132 (Sep. – Oct., 2002), pp. 48-56

n Francisco aldecoa and Michael Keating, Paradiplo-

macy in action: The Foreign Relation of Subnational

Governments, London, 1999


as noted earlier, it is estimated that

around one third of the population of

Kosovo lives abroad. The second generation

of Kosovars living abroad are thought to be

even more integrated into their host socie-

ties than their parents and they tend to

have a higher level of education. Their pres-

ence abroad, wide personal and community

networks, knowledge, political insights, lan-

guage skills and cultural understanding are

all strengths which could be used to build

relationships with publics and governments

outside of Kosovo.

The return of members of the diaspora

to work for Kosovo institutions through

“brain gain” programs, their continuous in-

vestment in the private sector, and tourism

through visits to extended families shows

that many Kosovars do stay connected with

their home country. although activities in

associations are not as widespread as in the

1990s, members of the diaspora maintain

family and cultural links with Kosovo.

The fact that many Kosovars have a for-

eign passport could enable Kosovo to reach

out to more distant places and their policy-

makers. The mobility of Kosovo residents,

on the other hand, is still limited by visa

restrictions.

another strength is that the diaspora is

able to critically evaluate Kosovo’s transi-

tion. Their ability to assess processes in a

comparative perspective brings another

dimension of insights into Kosovo’s quest

for strengthened statehood.

2. strengths of kosovo’s diasporaKOSOVO DIASPORA

INTEGRaTED

FOREIGN EDUCaTION

BUSINESS SKILLS FOR FOREIGN TRaDE

METROPOLITaN

TRaVEL MOBILITY

FOREIGN NETWORKS

CRITICaL EVaLUaTORS OF KOSOVO’S TRaNSITION

GLOBaL PRESENCE


(i) The changing role of

Kosovo’s diaspora

Historically, Kosovo’s diaspora has

always played an important role, rallying

financial and political support for the cause

of independence. Especially during armed

conflict in the Balkans, Kosovars in exile

were able to quickly mobilize and pool

resources to support Kosovo’s cause and

attract international attention. Remittances

sponsored parallel government structures,

healthcare, education, sports and cultural

activities. Subsequently, in the late 1990s,

the diaspora was key in supporting and

financing the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA)

and providing humanitarian aid.

Within the current post-independence

phase, the role of Kosovo’s diaspora is

changing. The 2009 Swiss Cooperation Of-

fice report (“Diaspora as a Driving Force for

Kosovo’s Development: Myth or Reality?”)

suggests that many associations in Switzer-

land seem to have lost their raison d’être

after the end of conflict in 1999. Further-

more, the report details that Kosovars living

in Switzerland “are almost entirely disorgan-

ized, lacking coordination, and feeling alien-

ated by Kosovar leaders that have failed to

bolster their organization.” Consequently,

Kosovo’s diaspora needs to redefine its com-

mon goal and purpose if it is to enter a new

phase focusing on helping to strengthen the

statehood of Kosovo, enhance the country’s

image and empower Kosovars at home and

abroad.

3. challenges to involving kosovo’s diaspora

n Pre-War:Pacifistmovement

n War-Time:Funding KLa and Humanitarian aid

n Post-War:Remittances,Invesments

n Post-Independence:Strengthening Statehood, Enhancing Kosovo’s Image (Public Diplomacy) and Empowering Kosovo Citizens

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012


(ii) Governmental efforts

Various efforts have been already under-

taken regarding some aspects of diaspora

involvement. The Ministry for Diaspora was

established in 2011, with the mandate of

mobilizing, supporting and serving mem-

bers of the diaspora in protecting, promot-

ing and cultivating the language, cultural

and education links between members of

the diaspora and Kosovo’s governmental

institutions.

In its first year of existence, the Ministry

created an online educational platform for

children of Kosovar origin, eased admis-

sions criteria for diaspora young people

wishing to go to a state university in Ko-

sovo, and helped establish diaspora offices

within local municipalities of Kosovo.

The Ministry plans to establish Kosovo

Cultural Centers for Diaspora, initially in

New York and Istanbul, with the aim of

organizing, communicating, linking, educat-

ing, teaching, protecting and cultivating the

cultural identity of the diaspora. In addition,

registration of the diaspora is envisaged.

The Ministry of Foreign affairs has estab-

lished a diaspora portfolio and appointed

a Deputy Foreign Minister (DFM) for Public

Diplomacy to communicate with publics

abroad. Several public diplomacy initiatives

have taken place in partnership with the

British Embassy, the British Council and the

Kosovo Foundation for Open Society (KFOS).

These initiatives have mainly aimed at com-

municating with the five EU members which

have not yet recognized Kosovo (Spain, Slo-

vakia, Romania, Greece and Cyprus), but also

reaching out to potential decision-makers

in transitioning countries like Egypt, Syria

and Tunisia. a conference aiming to explore

opportunities to better position Kosovo in

internet portals was organized by the office

of the DFM. The Ministry of Foreign affairs

has prepared a list of honorary ambassadors

for Kosovo, which comprises notable people

abroad and some members of the diaspora,

including pop singer Rita Ora.

However, it would appear that a com-

prehensive strategy to link diaspora and

public diplomacy on all levels, ranging from

celebrities to every Kosovar abroad, has not

yet been initiated.


(iii) Diaspora outreach, acknowledge-

ment and encouragement as a practical

challenge

Despite numerous achievements in

different spheres of life and contributions

to diaspora and Kosovo issues, there are no

strong institutional frameworks that recog-

nize and empower members of the diaspora

for the work they do.

So far, two major forms of recognition

have been established: the annual awards

Gala by the National albanian american

Council (NaaC) and the recent Diaspora

award initiated by the ambassador of

Kosovo in Switzerland. The annual awards

Gala honours members of the diaspora and

friends of Kosovo with medals of appre-

ciation for their contribution to albanian

issues in the Balkans and work in promoting

albanian culture. Past recipients include

Tony Blair, Marti ahtisaari, Fadil Berisha and

Richard Holbrook.

The first Diaspora Award was granted to

Micheline Calmy-Rey, the Foreign Minister of

Switzerland, for the courageous stand she

has taken on the Kosovo issue. The latest

award honoured Xherdan Shaqiri, Swiss

sportsman of the year and a football player

for Bayern Munich, for his contribution to-

wards integration and promotion of a better

image for Kosovo.

However, in many of the interviews

carried out for this study, members of the

diaspora and associations criticized the

government of Kosovo for not creating a

better framework for the involvement of its

citizens abroad.

The Forum 2015 study on Diaspora

and Migration Policies had already noted

that the general feeling abroad is that the

diaspora is being ignored and not supported

or utilized. Interviewees for the present

study, too, expressed the concern that their

support given throughout the 1990s is not

acknowledged by the Kosovo government.

There is a significant risk that the lack of a

stronger approach towards diaspora groups

could result in the loss of their passion and

support for the homeland. This would have

long-term negative effects.


(iv) Diaspora views of Kosovo

Another challenge identified in the

round table discussions for this study is the

self-defeating negative image of Kosovo

held by Kosovars, which one person inter-

viewed described as the “glorification of

Kosovars’ own negativity”.

It can be observed among many Ko-

sovars living abroad that their attitude

towards their country of origin involves

negative sentiments. When asked about

Kosovo, many interviewees’ first thought is

that the government is corrupt and that the

country is in desperate need of economic

development.

as one interviewee put it: “Corruption

has become a brand for Kosovo by Kosovars

themselves. It is impossible and it does not

have to be like that. There are countries

that have high corruption (e.g. Italy), but not

such a predominant corruption image.”

Continually emphasizing negative as-

pects of Kosovo does not necessarily affect

the emotional attachment of the diaspora

towards Kosovo, but may well affect the

image which the diaspora communicates

about the country. This has an impact on the

way foreign audiences in the diaspora’s host

countries perceive Kosovo.

(v) Politicization of the diaspora

Ideological divisions between Kosovar

immigrants, especially among the older

generations, present a challenge for the vi-

sion of a more cohesive diaspora which was

expressed during interviews for this study.

Kosovars abroad often side strongly with

either the pacifist resistance movement of

the 1990s led by the Democratic League of

Kosovo or the militant resistance movement

led by the Kosovo Liberation army (KLa) in

1997-1999.

The interviews showed that younger

generations are less and less influenced by

these ideologies, especially now that armed

hostilities have ended and militant fac-

tions have turned into political groupings

competing democratically within Kosovo

institutions. Nonetheless, it seems to be dif-

ficult for some elements of the diaspora to

bridge deep-rooted ideological divides.

as a new trend, the politicization of

the diaspora is becoming a new cause of

division. Political parties in Kosovo have

extended their rivalry into diaspora commu-

nities. according to some speakers during

the round table discussions for this study,

Kosovar migrants today have a tendency to

side with political parties rather than with

the community as a whole. Similarly, some

interviewees for this study felt that political


party divisions are exacerbating the lack

of cohesion among Kosovar communities

abroad . Indeed, there seem to be various

diaspora associations and groups, rather

than organizations open to all. (For more de-

tails, see the case study below on Kosovo’s

diaspora in the USa.)

(vi) Further within-group differences

another challenge for the involvement

of Kosovo’s diaspora results from genera-

tional differences within Kosovo’s diaspora.

as the younger generation becomes more

immersed in the foreign education system,

culture and social life, their connections

with Kosovo are becoming weaker. Many

children of second-generation immigrants

do not grow up learning their parents’

language and culture, thus increasing their

detachment from Kosovo.

Within Kosovo, Kosovars who live

abroad are nicknamed “Schatzis”, a word de-

rived from German expressing that they are

special (“Schatz” means treasure). The nu-

ance is that the word implies a certain dis-

tance, “them versus us”, between Kosovars

living in Kosovo and those who live abroad,

as the latter are often perceived to be “bet-

ter off”. It is a challenge to keep Kosovo’s

diaspora connected with their families and

neighbors within Kosovo.

another key challenge is that Kosovo’s

diaspora is mostly characterized as “albani-

an”, instead of being “Kosovar”. Vice versa,

talk of Kosovo’s diaspora also tends to sole-

ly focus on Kosovo albanians, which poses

difficulties for the multi-ethnic foundation

and commitment of the country. Defining

the Kosovo diaspora as a multi-ethnic social

group tends to be challenging, mirroring

the political processes within Kosovo.

Recognition and Incentives

CHALLENGES

Generation Gap

Redefining Goal and Purposealbanian vs. Multi-Ethnic

The “Schatzi” Dimension: Us vs. ThemPolitization of Diaspora

Politization of Diaspora

Glorification of Home Negativity


4. diaspora success stories

There are many success stories of Ko-

sovars living abroad and making their way

into business, media, arts, sports and even

politics. Utilizing and enhancing their social

standing abroad and opportunities for

public outreach as informal ambassadors

and public faces for Kosovo in a synergized

and strategic way could add tremendously

to Kosovo’s Public Diplomacy efforts.

The range of success stories is diverse

and global, allowing Kosovo to brand itself

in various ways and reach out to a wider

spectrum of audiences. a few are presented

in the following part.


Rita Sahatçiu Ora, born

in Pristina, is a singer and

actress who grew up in Lon-

don and lives in the UK.

Rita appeared with

Craig David in his 2007 hit

“awkward” as well as in his

2008 hit “Where’s Your Love”

featuring Tinchy Stryder. Rita

Ora was spotted and signed

up by Jay-Z’s label Roc Na-

tion. While recording her de-

but album she got guidance

from Jay-Z and feedback

from Beyoncé. She has had

two No. 1 Singles in the UK

Charts in 2012. The first song,

“Hot Right Now”, was in

collaboration with DJ Fresh;

the second was “R.I.P” with

Tinie Tempah. Recently, Rita

released her single “How

We Do (Party)” in the United

States, performing live for

the first time in the TV show

“Good Morning america”.

Her first album, called “Ora”,

is expected to be releasee

in September 2012, and cur-

rently she is opening for the

Coldplay stadium tour across

the world.

Rita Ora mentions Ko-

sovo in many of her inter-

views, most recently in an

interview with Rap-Up TV in

February 2012: “I was born in

Kosovo, I moved to London

when I was one, I was born

in a little city called Pristina,

which no one really knows

about, and I am proud to

put it on a map out there

because we are a very patri-

otic country so we always

try to mention us wherever

we can because it is such a

great place.”

In her video diary on

1vibe she noted: “Kosovo is

such a small nation, so eve-

ryone who succeeds from

there is just a big deal. So

I am doing it for my family

and my country as much as

I am doing it for everyone

else.”

Since its release in

December 2011, Rita’s song

“Hot Right Now” has had

more than 26 million view-

ers in YouTube.

(i) rita ora singer, actress— “Rita Ora: ‘Jay Z Thinks I could be as big as Rihanna’,” The Guardian, april 12, 2012, http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/apr/12/rita-ora-jay-z

— “Rita Ora Talks Roots, Roc Nation, & Rolling with Jay-Z and Beyoncé,” Rap-Up TV, Feb. 8, 2012, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHGEca0sxsE&feature=player_embedded#

— Rita Ora Video Diary, 1Vibe, Sept. 28, 2011, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-xlXNeZBsc&feature=player_embedded#t=127s

Sou

rc

e: Y

ou

tub

e


Petrit Ceku is a top-

world class classical guitar

player from Prizren, cur-

rently based in the United

States.

From 2002-2008 he stud-

ied at the Music academy in

Zagreb, winning several top

prizes in numerous competi-

tions. For example, he was

awarded first prize in the

all-Croatian Competition in

Dubrovnik in 2003, first prize

in the anna amalia Competi-

tion for Young Guitarists

held in Weimar (Germany),

the Emilio Pujol guitar com-

petition in Sassari (Italy) and

the andrés Segovia prize in

Velbert (Germany). In 2004,

he represented Croatia

in the European Music

Competition for Youth in

Dubrovnik and won first

prize, as well as the Croatian

Composers’ Union prize. He

was the only guitarist in the

Ferdo Livadic international

competition of young musi-

cians in Samobor (Croatia),

and won first prize by the

unanimous decision of the

jury.

Ceku was awarded the

Gold Medal in The Parkening

Competition in Malibu (USa)

in 2012 and second prize in

the Printemps de la Guitare

in Charleroi (Belgium). He

won the Pittaluga Competi-

tion in alessandria, Italy in

2007.

In an interview in Ko-

sovo’s New Diplomat, Ceku

said “What I like most about

Kosovo is the style of its citi-

zens. The way they deal with

their everyday problems.”

Petrit Ceku has estab-

lished himself as one of the

leading guitarists of the

new generation.

(ii) petrit ceku award-winning guitarist— “Parkening Guitar Competition Names Petrit Ceku 2012 Gold Medal Win-ner,” Pepperdine University, Press Release, June 2012, http://www.pepper-dine.edu/pr/releases/2012/june/parkening-2012-winners.htm

— “The New Face of Kosovo, Kosovo’s New Diplomat,” Kosovo Ministry of Foreign affairs, Jan./Feb. 2012, p. 7, http://www.mfa-ks.net/repository/docs/New_Diplomat_2.pdf

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Sislej Xhafa is a contem-

porary artist from Peja, cur-

rently based in New York.

Xhafa is known for his

artistic questioning of

current social, economic

and political forms and at-

titudes. He uses a minimal

yet subversive language.

His work addresses themes

of human rights, diversity,

unity, transition and migra-

tion. He operates in various

media ranging from video,

sculpture and installation,

to drawing, performance

and photography.

He has exhibited his

work across Europe, North

america and asia. Some of

his works have found a per-

manent home in the Palazzo

Grassi, Venice; Hardau City

Park, Y, Zurich; Röda Sten,

Göteborg; the Museum of

Contemporary art, Detroit;

and other places worldwide.

(iii) sislej xhafa contemporary artist— Mario Codognato, “Still Untitled: Sislej Xhafa,” Museo D’arte Contem-poranea Dona Regina Napoli, http://www.museomadre.it/mostre_show.cfm?id=103

— Giorgio Verzotti, “Openings Sislej Xhafa: Critical Essay,” artforum Interna-tional Magazine Inc., http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0268/is_9_39/ai_75914284/

— Filiz avunduk, “Non Unplugged2012. Sislej Xhafa,” Galeria Non, http://galerinon.com/sislej-xhafanon-unplugged-2012

— SIslej Xhafa, Ford Project, http://www.fordproject.com/artists/sislej-xhafa

— “Black Hole: Sislej Xhafa,” E-FLUX, http://www.e-flux.com/announcements/sislej-xhafa/

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Driton “Tony” Dovolani

was born in Pristina and

is currently based in New

York. He is a professional

ballroom dancer, instruc-

tor and judge, who became

known for his involvement

in the american version of

“Dancing with the Stars” on

aBC, as well as a coach to

Jennifer Lopez.

Tony began folk danc-

ing aged three. He was 15

when he and his entire

family moved to the United

States, where he attended

the Fred astaire Dance

academy. among other

roles, Dovolani played the

Latin bad boy competitor,

“Slick Willy”, in the hit film

“Shall We Dance.” He also

provided the inspiration

behind a dance sequence in

“Toy Story 3” featuring Buzz

Lightyear. He was one of

the judges for the 2011 Miss

america competition.

Dovolani has received

several awards for his work:

in 2006, he was nominated

for an Emmy for outstand-

ing choreography for “Danc-

ing with the Stars”. He has

also been the PBS america’s

Ballroom Challenge Rhythm

Champion, the Emerald Ball

Open Professional ameri-

can Rhythm Champion, the

United States Open Rhythm

Champion and the World

Rhythm Champion.

In an interview, Dovolani

said: “I think I gain a place

in Heaven if I do something

for my country, Kosovo. That

is the motto we live in our

family, that’s the motto I live

every single day of my life.”

In 2009 Dovolani and

his dancing partner Melissa

Rycroft reached the finals

in “Dancing with the Stars”.

The show was watched by

more than 20 million view-

ers. In 2012 his partner for

the series is tennis legend

Martina Navratilova.

(iv) tony dovolani professional ballroom dancer— “at Home With Tony Dovolani,” WCVB TV, Nov. 25, 2009, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7jbZLwcUQc

— Tony Dovolani, Personal Homepage, http://www.tonydovolani.com

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Fadil Berisha is a world-

famous fashion photog-

rapher living in New York,

who was born in albania but

spent most of his childhood

in Kosovo.

Since 2002, Fadil has

been the official photogra-

pher for the Miss Universe

and Miss USa contestants

and winners. as the exclu-

sive photographer for Rolex

since 2007, he has been

traveling the globe to pho-

tograph celebrities such as

Roger Federer, ana Ivanovic,

Placido Domingo, Phil Mick-

elson and Gustavo Dudamel

for this classic brand.

Many of the world’s

most sought-after stars

have been photographed by

him, including: Halle Berry,

Bill Clinton, Snoop Dogg,

Donald Trump, Tyra Banks,

Isabella Rossellini, and

Renée Fleming.

as Fadil has commented

in several interviews,

Kosovo remains close to his

heart. In 1998, he travelled

to witness the Kosovo War

firsthand and documented

the tragedy in a series of

emotional photos which

he displayed in the United

States to raise awareness

of the devastation faced

by the people of Kosovo.

He also created the Kosovo

Relief Fund to help families

who lost loved ones in the

war. He continues to spon-

sor upcoming models and

photographers from Kosovo

to help them begin success-

ful careers. In collaboration

with Eliza Dushku, a Hol-

lywood actress of albanian

origin, Fadil produced a

documentary to promote

albania.

For his work, Fadil Beri-

sha has been awarded the

the “Lifetime achievement

award” by the National

albanian american Council

in 2009.

(v) fadil berisha fashion photographer— “Meet Beauty Photographer: Fadil Berisha,” Social Vixen, aug. 9, 2011, http://www.socialvixen.com/entertainment/celebrity-sightings/celebrity/meet-beauty-photographer-fadil-berisha/

— Fadil Berisha Photography, Personal Homepage, http://www.fadilberi-sha.com/

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Xherdan Shaqiri was

born in Gjilan and plays

today as a footballer for

FC Bayern Munich in the

Bundesliga as well as for the

Swiss national team.

In 2007, playing in the

Under-15 Nike Cup, he was

named the best player of

the tournament. at the end

of the 2009-2010 season,

Shaqiri won the national

Double with Basel and

also the League Champion-

ship title. In 2011, Shaqiri

provided two assists in the

match against Champions

League runner-up Manches-

ter United, which ended

with a score of 2–1 for Basel

and was the first time since

2005 that United had failed

to reach the knock-out stage

of the Champions League.

In 2011, Shaqiri became the

Credit Suisse Player of the

Year. On February 2012, FC

Bayern Munich paid around

10 million euros for his

transfer.

In an interview with

albinfo in December 2011,

Shaqiri stated: “Kosovo is

the land of my birth. It is

50 percent of my heart. I go

there at least twice a year.

(…) As for Kosovo: Kosovo

has many talents. But it will

take much time to establish

a good infrastructure, so

that we can build a state

that has a good standard of

living.”

In another interview

for Livenet, Shaqiri stated:

“I am from Kosovo - I’m a

Kosovo-albanian.” The Swiss

news portal wrote after the

interview: “apparently, Ko-

sovo albanians are not only

speeders and daredevils!”

Xherdan Shaqiri was pre-

sented the Diaspora award,

which is given on a yearly

basis to a personality who

has contributed to peace

and development in Kosovo,

enhancement of its image,

promotion of the cultural

values as well as integration

of Kosovars in Switzerland.

(vi) xherdan shaqiri elite football player— “Shaqiri: Mein Herz gehört zur Hälfte Kosova,” albinfo, Dec. 16, 2011, http://www.albinfo.ch/de/node/49474

— “Ich bin ein Kosovo-albaner,” Livenet, Sept. 11, 2011, http://www.livenet.ch/magazin/gesellschaft/ethik/196553-ich_bin_ein_kosovoalbaner.html

— “Xherdan Shaqiri dekorohet me cmimin “Diaspora” per vitin 2012,” Embas-sy of the Republic of Kosovo, http://www.ambasada-ks.net/ch/?page=1,8,95

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Fatmire Bajramaj, who is

originally from Istog/Burim,

is a women’s football star

who plays for the German

National Team.

Fatmire made her debut

for Germany’s senior na-

tional team in October 2005

against Scotland. One year

later, she won 2006 UEFa

Women’s Under-19 Champi-

onship at a junior level. In

2007, Fatmire won the FIFa

Women’s World Cup with

the German National Team.

In 2010, she was placed

3rd in the 2010 FIFa Ballon

d’Or competition, an annual

award given to the world’s

best football players. In

2011, she moved to FFC

Frankfurt for the 2011-12

season, which was the

most expensive transfer in

women’s Bundesliga history.

The Guardian quotes the

head of the German Football

association on Bajramaj’s

appointment: “’This is an

honour that has only been

bestowed on one other

German woman – chancel-

lor Angela Merkel’… [He]

described the two players

as perfect ambassadors for

their sport and a role model

for many girls.”

When speaking of her

dedication to Kosovo when

at the German Embassy

in accra, Ghana, Bajramaj

said: “I go to schools where

there are large numbers of

foreigners’ children. Many

children who fled from

Kosovo experienced worse

things than I did. I want to

show them that you mustn’t

think in false categories, but

have to listen to your heart.”

Her profile is featured

in many official websites

of Embassies of the Federal

Republic of Germany across

the world. The profile of Ba-

jramaj and football is used

as a way to communicate

with publics abroad. In 2010

she was an ambassador for

the EU Year for Combating

Poverty and Social Exclu-

sion.

(vii) fatmire bajramaj elite football player— “an Extraordinary Woman: Fatmire Bajramaj,” German Embassy accra, Ghana, http://www.accra.diplo.de/__Zentrale_20Komponenten/Themen-pakete/Papierkorb/Frauenfussball__WM__2011/Fatmire__Bajramaj__en.html?site=35939

— “Fatmire Bajramaj: Football’s New Face,” The Guardian, March 18, 2011, http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/mar/18/fatmire-bajramaj-football-german-women

— “Fatmire Bajramaj: Integration durch Fußball,” German Government, http://www.bundesregierung.de/Content/DE/Magazine/MagazinEnt-wicklungspolitik/088/s3-fatmire-bajramaj-integration-durch-fussball.html

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Lorik Cana, a top league

footballer who was born in

Pristina, plays for SS Lazio

as a defensive midfielder

and is captain of albania’s

national football team.

as a child, Cana and his

family left Kosovo during

the war in 1991, fleeing to

Switzerland and then to

France. He played for Paris

Saint-Germain FC and was

then captain of Olympique

de Marseille and Sunderland

FC. Before he transferred to

SS Lazio, he played for the

Turkish club Galatasaray SK.

In an interview with the

UK’s Daily Mail in 2009, he

noted:

“I always want to give

back to my family, my

people, my country. That’s

the most important thing

for me. That’s my aim, my

target, my goal. I always

want to be on top as a man

and a footballer because

it’s important to give a good

image of my country. (…)

It is important that when

you can, you must try and

give a good image to other

people.”

Talking about Kosovo

in the Guardian in 2009, he

added:

“The war was terrible

for our people. I didn’t lose

many persons in my fam-

ily but friends and former

neighbors died and others

had their houses destroyed.

At first it was really hard for

me to play football because

I was always thinking about

the war. The worst thing

was that, for eight or nine

years, there was no pos-

sibility for me to go back to

Kosovo, no possibility to see

the rest of my family and

friends.”

In February 2008, fans

of FC Marseille waived a

banner congratulating Cana

on Kosovo’s independence.

Thousands of fans joined in

the cheering. Cana is also a

United Nations ambassador

against poverty.

(viii) lorik canaelite football player— “Albania’s Ambassador Lorik Cana finds Refuge in the Sunderland Spotlight,” The Guardian, Sept. 19, 2009, http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/sep/19/lorik-cana-sunderland-interview-kosovo

— “Cana has gone from Kosovo Refugee to a Sunderland Hero,” Daily Mail, Sept. 18, 2009, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/arti-cle-1214492/alas-poor-Lorik--Cana-gone-Kosovo-refugee-Sunderland-hero.html

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Luan Krasniqi is a retired

professional boxer from

Junik in Kosovo. He is cur-

rently based in Germany.

Krasniqi was European

Heavyweight Champion

(2002, 2004-2005), German

Heavyweight Champion

(2001-2002) and the World

Boxing Organization (WBO)

Interconti Champion in

2007. In May 2006, he was

ranked no. 1 by the WBO. In

1996 at the Olympic Games

in atlanta, he beat future

amateur and professional

champion Ruslan Chagaev

and reached a semi-final

bout against Félix Savón.

Krasniqi won the Bronze

medal in the Olympic Games

in Atlanta - the first in the

heavyweight division for

Germany since 1976.

at the World Champion-

ships in Berlin in 1995, Kras-

niqi beat Olympic champion

Wladimir Klitschko. Repre-

senting Germany, he partici-

pated in the multi-nation

tournament in Liverpool

(UK) and won a gold medal.

He confirmed his success

with another gold medal at

the German Championships

in Berlin.

Talking about Kosovo in

an interview with albaneur,

Krasniqi said: “also the

Germans knew that during

my whole life in the ring, I

have fought for Kosovo and

my nation...”

Luan Krasniqi ended his

career as an active boxer

in 2011. Besides being a

professional boxer, he is an

interpreter and a wholesal-

er. He remains engaged as a

promoter of the sport and

young talents.

(ix) luan krasniqi professional boxer— Krasniqi Fan Blog, http://luankrasniqi.blogspot.com/

— Luan Krasniqi, Personal Homepage, http://www.luankrasniqi.com/

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Ylfete Fanaj is a council-

lor in the canton of Lucerne

in Switzerland and a mem-

ber of the political commis-

sion of the Cantonal Coun-

cil. Fanaj was born in Prizren

and left Kosovo during the

war in 1991. She is one of the

few Kosovars who are active

on the political scene of

their host country.

Since 2003 she has been

active as an inter-cultural

mediator in schools in

Switzerland. Between 2005

and 2008 she served as on

the board of a non-gov-

ernmental political forum

in Luzern. Between 2005

and 2010 she worked for a

non-governmental organi-

zation for asylum seekers

in Switzerland. Since 2005

Fanaj has headed a centre

for inter-cultural education

which focuses particularly

on supporting children with

a migration background.

Between 2007 and 2011 she

served as city councillor at

large in the City Council of

Lucerne. During that time

she was a member and Vice-

President of the Social Com-

mission. In 2011 Fanaj joined

the Cantonal Council.

Fanaj is the President

of Secondos Plus, a pro-

immigration lobby group.

In this capacity she has

been actively working

against anti-Kosovar ads

and deprecatory political

debates against Kosovars

in Switzerland. She has

advocated for more support

to help Kosovo immigrants

in Switzerland to integrate

better into the host society

and for equal opportunities

for children with a migra-

tion background. Her work

against discrimination and

solidarity has attracted

considerable local media at-

tention. Fanaj appeared on

Swiss national television in

the documentary “The Good

albanians”, which portrayed

successful migrants in Swit-

zerland.

(x) ylfete fanaj successful politician abroad— “Die guten albaner - Erfolgreiche Migranten in der Schweiz”, Schweizer Fernsehen, Nov. 24, 2011, http://www.videoportal.sf.tv/video?id=977cea47-93c2-46f0-9fb9-4f6ae65e16cb

— “Anti-Kosovar ads ignite fiery debate”, World Radio Switzerland, Aug. 30, 2011, http://worldradio.ch/wrs/shows/national/swiss-peoples-party-anti-kosovar-ads-ignite-fiery-.shtml?26225

— “SVP under fire for anti-Kosovar campaign”, The Local, Aug. 31, 2011, http://www.thelocal.ch/1017/20110831/

— Blerim Shabani, “Kush është Ylfete Fanaj?”, albinfo, april 11, 2011, http://www.albinfo.ch/e-diaspora/integrimi/kush-%C3%aBsht%C3%aB-ylfete-fanaj-20075

— Ylfete Fanaj, Personal Homepage, http://www.ylfetefanaj.ch

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Famous Famiglia Piz-

zeria was founded by the

albanian family Kolaj,

who came from Kosovo, in

august 1986, in the heart of

New York City.

Today, the company

operates more than 100

units throughout the U.S.,

China and Mexico. Famous

Famiglia pizzeria is the

“Official Pizza of the New

York Yankees” and is ranked

by Entrepreneur Magazine

as a “Top 25 Franchise”

and a “Top 50 Enterprise”.

Pizza Famiglia is one of the

fastest growing brands in

the U.S.. In 2011, Famous

Famiglia was featured in the

premier episode of Trump’s

“Celebrity apprentice”.

The New York Times

reported about the chain:

“The mostly albanian crew

tosses pizza dough beneath

flags and posters celebrat-

ing the struggle of their

brethren in Kosovo. The

pizzeria also sells burek, an

albanian meat pie.”

In an interview with FOX

Business in 2009, co-founder

Giorgio Kolaj told the story

of the family’s flight from

Kosovo to Italy and after-

wards to the U.S. during the

Communist era (see further

notes at the right). In 2010,

Giorgio Kolaj was the Ernst

& Young LLP Entrepreneur

of the Year award in the

category Retail, distribution

and manufacturing, which is

one of the most prestigious

awards for entrepreneurs.

Today, the chain is still ex-

panding its award-winning

brand across the globe,

in the Middle East, North

africa and East asia.

(xi) famous famiglia Pizzeria world business chain— “FOX Business Interview Giorgio Kolaj of Famous Famiglia,” FOX News, June 18, 2009, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVwiows2aD0

— “Sarah Palin, Donald Trump split a Pepperoni Pizza at Famous Famiglia in Times Square,” Daily News, May 31, 2011, http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/sarah-palin-donald-trump-split-a-pepperoni-pizza-famous-famiglia-times-square-article-1.142502

— “The albanian Connection; as Italians Move Up, a New Group Does the Pizza and Pasta,” New York Times, april 3, 2001, http://www.nytimes.com/2001/04/03/nyregion/the-albanian-connection-as-italians-move-up-a-new-group-does-the-pizza-and-pasta.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

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part 3 comparing diaspora involvement worldwide: case studies

The role of the diaspora is becoming in-

creasingly important for the public diploma-

cy policies of a wide spectrum of countries,

particularly those which, historically, have

large diasporas. There is no single way to

use a diaspora as a tool and social capital

for image-building. Different countries

have determined different roles for their

diasporas in public diplomacy based on

their historical and geographical contexts

and their particular needs. For the purpose

of this policy study, the experiences of four

countries will be examined: Israel, armenia,

Serbia and Rwanda.

The case of Israel demonstrates the

internet as a tool for preparing each mem-

ber of a diaspora to become an informal

ambassador. The case of armenia focuses on

the role of government in stimulating and

empowering a diaspora’s image-building

activities through incentives and awards. as

a post -conflict country which has economic

diplomacy as its core approach to world

affairs, Rwanda’s case presents the govern-

ment’s quest to organize and mobilize its

diaspora in promoting the country and its

story. The case of Serbia provides an exam-

ple of an alternative utilization of a dias-

pora, in particular the Kosovo Serb diaspora,

for Kosovo-related issues.

The study does not aim to make any

judgment about the rights and wrongs of

any of the countries covered. The purpose

is simply to describe examples of public

diplomacy policy which could be considered

for use in the Kosovo context.


1. armenia

armenia has one of the largest diaspora

groups in the world, spread out in more than

one hundred countries. It is estimated that

there are three times more armenians living

abroad than in the home country. as one of

the most active diasporas in terms of inter-

est in home affairs, the case of the armenian

diaspora presents a good example of how

a government can play a role in mobilizing

its diaspora to enhance the image of the

country.

(i) awards and incentives: stimulating

diaspora activity

The armenian Ministry of Diaspora has

established a set of awards and medals for

members of the armenian diaspora, in order

to encourage individuals and organizations

to implement projects of various types.

These projects may reinforce the partner-

ship between armenia and its diaspora, or

contribute to preservation of the armenian

identity.

The following medals aim to recognize

the work of diaspora members in five differ-

ent spheres of life, covering a wide range of

demographics, professions and activities.


The Diaspora Gold Medal is

awarded to those making

a notable contribution to

strengthening relations

between Armenia and its

diaspora, or relations with-

in armenian diaspora com-

munities; achievements in

educating young armeni-

ans; enhancing armenia’s

reputation through profes-

sional activities; or preserv-

ing armenian identity.

Similarly, the William

Saroyan Medal is awarded

for contributing to the

dissemination of Armenian

culture in the diaspora;

developing the partnership

between armenia and its

diaspora through creative

activities; and making great

contributions to strength-

ening relations between ar-

menia and the diaspora or

relations within armenian

diaspora communities.

The Poghos Nubar Medal

is awarded for charitable

activities in Armenia and

in diaspora communities;

providing special ser-

vices to the preservation

of the armenian identity;

strengthening practical

ties between the Republic

of armenia and its dias-

pora; solving scientific,

educational, healthcare,

athletic and cultural issues

in armenian communities;

and making great contribu-

tions to the development

of the partnership between

armenia and its diaspora.

The Komitas Medal is

awarded for promoting

Armenian arts among

the diaspora; high-level

creativity and performance

in this sphere; and for

considerable contributions

to activities which develop

the partnership between

armenia and its diaspora.

The Arshil Gorky Medal is

granted for promoting fine

art, painting, sculpture

and drawing; achieving suc-

cess in the sphere; raising

awareness of armenian arts

among the diaspora; and

for considerable contribu-

tions to activities which

develop the partnership

between armenia and its

diaspora.

Source For PictureS: the MiniStrY oF DiaSPora oF the rePublic oF arMenia httP://WWW.MinDiaSPora.aM/en/MeDalner


In a recent official visit to Belgium, the

President of the armenia made a statement

reflecting the country’s position towards

the diaspora and the role it can play in

diplomacy: “armenian diasporas all over

the world represent an exceptional power…

[The] Armenian diaspora of Belgium is a

bridge, which connects two states and helps

to improve bilateral relations between ar-

menia and Belgium.” The armenian govern-

ment implements a wide variety of projects

to strengthen relations with the diaspora.

One tool which the government uses

consists of awards. In 2012, in its annual Pan-

armenian awards ceremony, the Ministry

awarded around fifty individuals and organi-

zations for their contribution to preserv-

ing the armenian identity. Past recipients

have included eminent armenians abroad,

academics, scientists, businessman, sport-

speople, artists and community organizers.

Other awards from the Ministry which have

a financial component include contests for

the Best Mother-Language Teacher and the

Best armenian Youth Organizations. Public

figures from the Armenian diaspora were

presented with their awards by the Presi-

dent of armenia.

(ii) Diaspora outreach through the

internet

a particular aspect of the armenian

approach to awards and incentives within

the country is to allow diaspora members

to participate in all competitions as equal

members of the armenian population, be-

sides having specific awards dedicated to di-

aspora. For example, in a recent contest for

the Information Technology (IT) Education

award for university students in armenia,

the armenian President awarded the Best

Diaspora armenian participant as well.

The Ministry of Diaspora uses the inter-

net as one of its main ways to engage the di-

aspora, especially young people. a series of

teleconference and video conference events

are organized between members of the

government and diaspora representatives

on specific issues pertaining to communities

abroad, home affairs and state interests. The

Ministry has also produced an information

corner with the aim of educating diaspora

members, particularly young people, about

armenian culture, history and people. The

information corner includes sections called

Proud to be armenian, Let’s Learn arme-

nian, armenian Organizations and History

of the armenians. a Virtual Museum of the

Diaspora about armenia has been produced


in order to make it easier for armenians to

access resources, and a programme called

Our Greats was established in order to shed

light on the lives and careers of renowned

armenian individuals. Getting to learn more

about the past, their roots and the posi-

tive attributes of the country, the Ministry

seeks to prepare young armenians to stay

connected with their home and also serve as

good ambassadors of the country.

(iii) Sister school program

Other notable programmes implement-

ed by the armenian Ministry of Diaspora

include: the Sister Schools program between

schools in armenia and those abroad; estab-

lishment of an online e-library of armenian

literature; publication of a multi-lingual

electronic newspaper; a multi-lingual trans-

lation database; organization of scientific

forums and research awards; organizing

two-week visits to armenia for diaspora

young people who stay with host fami-

lies, visit historical sites and learn about

armenian culture; and supplying communi-

ties abroad with educational and popular

literature.


n “armenian Minister of Diaspora awards recipients of 2011 Pan-armenian awards”, Tert aM, Jan. 19, 2012, http://www.tert.am/en/news/2012/01/19/spyurq/

n “Public figures of Diaspora, Armenia granted presdienttial awards”, Panarmenian, Sept. 17, 2011, http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/78416/

n “Diaspora armenian businessman awarded”, Hayern aysor, Feb. 28, 2012, http://en.hayernaysor.am/1330420672

n “armenian diaspora all over the world represent an exceptional power – President Sargsyan”, News aM, March 6, 2012, http://news.am/eng/news/96099.html

n “Ra President to grant IT award to the Best Diaspora armenian Participant as well”, Hayern aysor, June 27, 2012, http://en.hayernaysor.am/1340787069


2. israel

Israel has been extremely active in

mobilizing its diaspora for Public Diplomacy

efforts. Governmental activities on diaspora

issues are carried out and coordinated by

the Ministry of Information and Diaspora.

(i) Explaining Israel

One of the Ministry’s activities is running

the “Explaining Israel” project under the slo-

gan “Together, we can change the picture”.

The website provides Ministry of Informa-

tion and Diaspora information on topics

such as “Israeli Pride! International achieve-

ments”, “Israel in the World Myth vs. Real-

ity”, “Israel and the arab World” and “Tips

for the Novice ambassador”. as the Ministry

states, the website should make it possible

“to arm” every citizen “with information and

pride in Israel’s global contributions and his-

tory and to present a more realistic image

of Israel to the world.” The intension is that

each and every citizen can be an ambassa-

dor of the country.

Israel’s Minister of Public Diplomacy and

Diaspora affairs, Yoel Yuli Edelstein, calls for

wide public support in his message to the Is-

raeli diaspora on the governmental website:

“You can bring about a change! Every

single one of you has the ability to improve

Israel’s image in the world. You have the

power to defend both the state’s image

and the Israeli people’s honor. You can do

it through advocacy, “hasbara”, by giving

people the facts and the right messages, and

through proper behavior that shows respect

both for the people and places that you

visit, and for the place that you come from.”

(ii) Practical guidance for citizens

In its section on “Tips for the Novice

Public Diplomat”, the Ministry offers a

whole self-training program for enhancing

personal communication skills and rhetoric

“to get… messages across as effectively as

possible”.


aiming to counterbalance mispercep-

tion about Israel and its relation to the arab

World, the Ministry of Information and Dias-

pora provides a sample set of explanations

and arguments on such crucial topics as the

“The Green Line – The Most Talked-about

Line in the News”, “Jewish Settlement”, “Is-

rael, Syria and the Golan Heights”, “The arab

and Jewish Refugee Issue” and “Milestones

in Israel-arab Relations”. It also includes a

“Complete Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Glos-

sary”. according to the Ministry’s website:

“Israel is one of the most widely scru-

tinized countries in the world. Israel’s

relations with the arab world supply the

media with topics for reports, some of them

as unfolding news coverage and others as

premeditated stories. The way the Israeli-

Arab conflict, both with the Palestinians

and arab states or other Islamic countries,

is perceived in the world affects the global

public opinion of Israel, as well as inflating

false myths and prejudices and increasing

their dissemination around the world.”

(iii) Diaspora-homeland partnerships

Recently, in June 2012, the Ministry of

Public Diplomacy and Diaspora launched

together with the World Zionist Organiza-

tion (WZO) and US-based organization

Jewish Heritage a new project entitled

“Connecting”. as reported by YNet News, the

project particularly aims to deepen Jewish

identity among Israelis and their children.

“The activities will include events and

ceremonies surrounding Israeli holidays and

remembrance days, youth groups, lectures,

Bar-Mitzvah prep, parents’ guidance”, and

also “a designated website and hotline”

which will “offer counsel and guidance to

Israelis abroad.”

at the end of June 2012, the Ministry

of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora affairs

organized a “Global Village 2012” conference

on “Diaspora-Homeland Partnerships” bring-

ing together cabinet ministers, experts and

NGO leaders from the Jewish diaspora and

other diasporas to examine ways that dias-

pora communities could help their countries

of ancestry. a main focus has been to “maxi-

mize and sustain the impact of diaspora re-

sources, goodwill and commitment, and the

evolving nature of the diaspora-homeland

relationship in philanthropy, investment,

diplomacy and the exchange of knowledge”,

as the The Jerusalem Post reported.

HOW CAN YOU PUT ACROSS IMPORTANT MESSAGES AbOUT ISRAEL?

n Tell your own personal story. Don’t be afraid of sharing your feelings and experiences with the people you talk to. after all, and before all else, we’re all human beings.

n Beware of long, sermonizing monologues that are hard to follow.

n Let your partners in the conversation speak as well; be sensitive to the need for taking turns.

n ask questions and take an interest in what they say, too.

n Relate to what your conversational partners tell you instead of just focusing on what you want to say.

n Try to think of new viewpoints you can provide. For instance, if the subject of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict comes up and the other side implies that the Palestinians have been here forever, don’t attack! Try to gently remind them that each side has its own truth, and that history shows us that the Jews settled in Israel long before the arabs ever arrived.

n Express yourself clearly so you will be easily understood.

n Keep your sense of humor and don’t get caught up in wearisome discussions that portray Israel as a victim.

n When you want to drive home a point, use personal examples. That’s always better than rattling off academic information and statistics.

n a picture is worth a thousand words – carry around pictures from home to get your message across. and if you, for example, want to show Israel’s size, point it out on a map!

n Decide on 2-3 messages that you want to convey; make sure to refrain from giving too many messages at once. Include one of your messages in every example, picture or story.


(iv) Israel bonds

as Minister Edelstein highlighted in the

The Jerusalem Post, other countries could

learn from Israel‘s concept of so-called

“Israel Bonds”. The bonds are debt securi-

ties issued by the Government of Israel.

Most bonds have a fixed interest rate, and

the Government repays its debts after a

period or 2, 3, 5 or 10 years. Israel Bonds

were introduced in 1951 after the 1948 arab-

Israeli War. The project’s slogan is “Not Just

a Bond: a Bond With Israel”. The accumu-

lated funding is used by the Government

to implement infrastructure projects and

invest in other large public projects which

need financial support at a low rate of inter-

est. The program secured “worldwide sales

[of] over $34 billion USD” and “facilitating

the rapid development of Israel’s economy”,

as the Government stresses on the sales

website of the bonds. It reiterates that “the

sale of bonds [has] played a decisive role

in Israel’s rapid evolution from nascent

state to elite nation.” Israel Bonds have

proven to be especially profitable for Israel

as many US lenders have finally written off

large amounts of debt, as anupam Chander

explains in his analysis of Diaspora Bonds

(2011).


n Steve Linde, “Countries can Learn from Israel-Diaspora Model”, The Jerusalem Post, June 21, 2012, http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyandPolitics/article.aspx?id=274635

n Itamar Eichner, “Diaspora Ministry Reaches Out to Israelis abroad”, YNet News, June 17, 2012, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4231377,00.html

n Jeremy Sharon, “New Group Works on Israel-Diaspora Ties”, The Jerusalem Post, Feb. 27, 2012, http://www.jpost.com/JewishWorld/JewishNews/article.aspx?id=259527

n anupam Chander, “Diaspora Bonds”, New York University Law Review, Vol. 76 (2001), 1005, http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=275457

n anshel Pfeffer, “Minister of Information and Diaspora: The Emptiest Job of all”, Haaretz, april 3, 2009, http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/minister-of-information-and-diaspora-the-emptiest-job-of-all-1.273437

n Israel Ministry of Information and Diaspora, http://masbirim.gov.il/eng/

n Israel Bonds, http://www.israelbonds.com


3. rwanda

(i) The Diaspora General Directorate

The Rwandan government recognized

the importance of diaspora around the

world by creating the Diaspora General

Directorate (DGD) in June 2008. The mission

of this organization is to “mobilize [the]

Rwandan Community abroad for unity/ co-

hesion among themselves targeted for the

promotion of security and socio-economic

development of their homeland.” as well

as aiming to improve Rwanda’s image, the

organization works towards the transfer

of skills to the country and creating a good

environment for financial investment and

remittances. It provides information on

investment opportunities, consular services

and assistance for members of the diaspora

who wish to settle in the country.

among the main activities of the DGD, it

is worth highlighting the Rwandan Diaspora

retreats. These are week-long events where

different stakeholders get together and

plan activities for the diaspora. In this way

some of the most effective initiatives for the

diaspora have been created, including the

Rwandan Diaspora Mutual Fund (RDMF) and

the One Dollar Campaign.

(ii) The Rwandan Diaspora Mutual Fund

The Rwandan Diaspora Mutual Fund is

an initiative from the Rwandan diaspora

and the National Bank of Rwanda. It is a

pool of funds created by Rwandans abroad

to enable them to invest in their home

country through remittances which contrib-

ute to national development. The fund is

monitored by the Capital Markets advisory

Council, the DGD and the Central Bank.

(iii) One-Dollar campaign

The One Dollar Campaign was created

in april 2009 with the objective of collect-

ing 1.5 billion USD by government institu-

tions, non-government organizations,

the private sector, religious bodies, civil

society, students and individuals. The initial

objective of the campaign is to support an

orphan by constructing and then extending


a hostel, but the ultimate goal is to prevent

these children from dropping out of school

and becoming involved in prostitution or

substance abuse. The campaign has proven

to be very successful. By 31 November

2010, One Dollar Campaign had collected

951,272,466 Rwandan franc (Rfw), represent-

ing 87% of the total pledges which amount

to 1,097,431,220 Rfw.

(iv) Youth conferences

The Rwandan Diaspora organizes confer-

ences around the world such as the ones

in Belgium (2010) and the UK (2011). These

events for young people living in Europe are

intended to contribute to the “Vision 2020”

that the country has in terms of its Eco-

nomic Development and Poverty Reduction

Strategy. The objective of this strategy is to

transform Rwanda into a dynamic global

hub for business, investment and innova-

tion, and reverse its image as a post-conflict

country.

The conferences lasted for five days and

involved participants sharing their personal

experiences “via games and sports such as

football, basketball and golf to promote so-

cialization and networking through unity.”

(v) Other activities

a characteristic aspect of Rwanda’s

public and economic diplomacy is branding

products such as coffee and undertaking

other commercial activities. To this end the

government organizes international invest-

ment forums, regional conferences, an

international trade fair, entrepreneurship

workshops and training courses to pro-

mote Rwandan products and the country’s

natural and human resources. Moreover, the

Ministry of Foreign affairs and Cooperation

(MINaFFET) publishes a Diplomatic Maga-

zine on a quarterly basis, which serves as a

tool to promote Rwanda in the international

arena, portraying the country’s positive im-

age to friends and partners.


n “Rwanda Diaspora Mutual Fund”, Rwanda Disapora in Norway, http://www.rwandan.no/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53%3adiaspora-mutual-fund&catid=49%3adevelopment-projects&Itemid=54&lang=en

n Eric Kabeera, “Diaspora Youth to Convene in London”, The New Times, June 6, 2011, http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?i=14648&a=41907

n “Support an Orphan to Get a Home”, The One Dollar Campaign, http://www.onedollarcampaign.org/spip.php?rubrique1


4. serbia

It is estimated that approximately one

third of the total number of Serbs live out-

side Serbia. Promoting close links between

Serbia and its diaspora has consequently

been a concern for some time. Today, main-

taining diaspora relations with the home-

land is a priority for the Serbian government

and many Serbian officials believe these

ties to the diaspora are key to successfully

re-branding their country.

(i) Development of the Serbian Ministry

for Diaspora and the role of the Serbian

Orthodox Church

The connection between Serbia and its

diaspora was first formalized in 2001 with

the creation of a Council of the Diaspora.

The Council functioned as a consulta-

tive body for the Serbian government on

diaspora issues and contributed to the

foundation of the Ministry for Diaspora and

Religion in 2003. It is no coincidence that

the Ministry was established for Diaspora

and Religion since the church has been a

uniting factor between the Serbian nation

and its diaspora.

according to the Minister of Diaspora

and Religion, Srdjan Sreckovic, the State

and the Serbian Orthodox Church work

together to preserve the cultural, linguistic

and religious identity of Serbia. In effect,

the Serbian Orthodox Church provides a

key entry point for the Ministry to connect

with citizens abroad. Furthermore, many of

the Ministry’s projects reflect spiritual and

religious aspects which are seen as the core

of Serbian national identity.

While for the first few years the Ministry

for Diaspora and Religion is said to have

had little influence, two events changed

the Serbian government’s tone: firstly, the

inflow of $5.2 billion in remittances sent by

Serbian migrants in 2008 (see the Overseas

Development Institute’s 2008 annual Report

for more details); and secondly, Serbia’s

desire for membership of the EU. as a result,

the Serbian government now considers the

diaspora to be a crucial tool in helping to

improve Serbia’s international image.

(ii) Serbian Law on Diaspora

as a result of this change in the way the


diaspora was viewed, in 2009 the Republic

of Serbia adopted the Law on Diaspora.

The law created a formal legal support to

manage frequent interaction between the

diaspora and the Serbian government rather

than relying on case-by-case or crisis-moti-

vated solutions. as the law states, its aim is

to protect the rights of members of the dias-

pora together with “fostering… the Serbian

language and the Cyrillic alphabet, as well

as [the] Serbian cultural, ethnic, linguistic

and religious identity.”

Under the new policy, the assembly of

the Serbian Diaspora and Serbs in Neigh-

bouring Countries was created. The as-

sembly is made up of 45 delegates from

around the world. The Assembly held its first

meeting in Belgrade in 2010, at which (ac-

cording to the Serbian government) it made

strategic decisions and directed the work of

state institutions in relation to Serbs living

abroad. The delegates also met with the

Serbian Orthodox Patriarch and the Serbian

Prime Minister.

Other aspects of the Law on Diaspora in-

clude instigation of the Day of the Diaspora

on 28 June, St Vitus’ Day, which is a Serbian

religious holiday, and a planned diaspora

register, which will be voluntary. as an-

nounced by the Ministry for Diaspora and

Religion, registered diaspora members will

receive a Diaspora ID, thanks to which they

are “able to exercise their right to learn their

mother tongue in Serbia, apply for grants

and stipends and similar.”

Serbia has served as a model for the

adoption of similar laws in countries such as

Croatia, Slovenia and Slovakia.

(iii) Goals and Programme of the Serbian

Ministry of Diaspora

The Ministry of Diaspora and Religion

states that its general goals are:

1) to extend protection and voting rights

to Serbian citizens living abroad,

2) to enhance relations between the

Republic of Serbia and its citizens, includ-

ing migrants and their descendants living

abroad, and

3) to inform migrants of Serbian politics,

foster their ties with the Republic of Serbia

and prepare them for their eventual return.

Since its inception, the Ministry has

developed a comprehensive programme

to progress towards its goals through its

four departments: 1) Economic affairs, 2)

State Issues, 3) Culture, Education, Science

and Sport and 4) Public Relations. Each

department is responsible for projects that

strengthen the connection between the

diaspora and the homeland.


n “Vidovdan Days of Diaspo-

ra and Serbs in the Region”:

this annual event attracts

Serbians from all over the

world. The event emphasizes

the role of the Serbian di-

aspora as unofficial ambas-

sadors to promote Serbia’s

unity and its image abroad,

and to introduce change in

Serbian politics.

n In November 2008, an

International Conference

on Serbian Diaspora and

Homeland Development

took place in Belgrade to

discuss the role that the

Serbian Diaspora could play

in Serbia’s development.

n In December 2011, the

Serbian Diaspora Medi-

cal Conference brought

together about 2,700 doctors

from Serbia and the dias-

pora. Experts were able to

share their experiences and

practice. according to the

Ministry of Diaspora and

Religion, there are currently

10,000 Serbian doctors

working abroad, and about

1,000 of them are in manage-

rial positions in the medi-

cal profession. around 200

participants attended from

abroad, alongside 2,600 local

experts.

n In June 2011, the Ministry

initiated a programme to

prevent the brain drain from

Serbia while promoting the

development of intellec-

tual diaspora networks. The

purpose of the programme

was to introduce Serbia to

Serbian diaspora students

who are currently pursuing

undergraduate or postgrad-

uate studies abroad. The

Ministry stated that “learn-

ing about the work and

functioning of the Serbian

state provides an invaluable

benefit and a great respon-

sibility and obligation.”

By creating closer ties and

opening new opportunities

for knowledge sharing, the

Serbian Government hopes

to stop the brain drain from

Serbia.

n In June 2011, the Ministry

of Diaspora presented a

plaque honouring the cul-

tural and artistic society of

Morava in Melbourne, aus-

tralia, for its achievements

in displaying a positive

image of Serbia, preserving

Serbian cultural identity,

and strengthening the links

between the home State and

the diaspora.

n In November 2011,

the Ministry of Diaspora

awarded six national awards

to the most skilled and

educated part of the Ser-

bian diaspora. The awards

honoured their “work and

dedication earned abroad.”

“Every member of our

Diaspora should realize that

his most serious role is that

of a good ambassador and

representative of Serbia…

and that only in this way will

Serbia’s image in the world

improve”, the Ministry an-

nounced.

n In august 2011, a business

guide for investors was cre-

ated, specifically targeting

diaspora business prospects

and economic co-operation

in Serbia. The Ministry of

Diaspora and Religion states

that the Serbian diaspora

has invested over 550 million

dollars, opened over 1000

small and medium enterpris-

es and employs over 22,000

workers in Serbia. Serbia

plans to attract 4-5 billion

dollars’ investment in 2012.

n In October 2011, the

conference “Business Exit”

connected local businesses

and diaspora companies.

Networks and acknowledgement

business co-operationSome examples of projects and events organized by the Serbian Ministry of Diaspora and Relgion



n “Back to Serbia: Mladi iz Dijaspore Traze Posao u Zemlji,” Radio Free Liberty, June 28, 2012, http://www.slobodnaevropa.org/content/back-to-serbia-mladi-iz-dijaspore-traze-posao-u-zemlji/24608372.html

n Kostic Milena, “Kulturni Identitet Srpske Dijaspore u Kanadi,” Teme 35.4 (2011), 1257-1270

n Prvulovic Vladimir and Vuckovic Vladimir, “Investicioni Potencijal Srpske Dijaspore za Ulaganja u Nasu Privredu: Realnost ili Iluzija,” Srpska Politička Misao 3 (2010), 289-304

n ODI annual Report 2008, Overseas Development Institute, http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/docs/2943.pdf

n aurel Braun, “Diaspora, or the Dangers of Disunification?: Putting the ‘Serbian Model’ into Perspective,” The New European Diasporas, ed. Michael Mandelbaum (New York: Council on Foreign Relations Press, 2000), 159–213

n aleks Racic, “Serbia and the Diaspora... Dentente or False Dawn?,” Britic, http://www.britic.co.uk/current_issue.php?article_id=96

n Serbian Government, Ministry of Religion and Diaspora, http://www.mzd.gov.rs

n In 2008, the Ministry sent

3,000 Serbian textbooks to

Serbian speaking schools

abroad for children in the

diaspora.

n In April 2009, the first

supplementary school for

Serbian language learning

opened its doors within St.

Thomas’ church in Johannes-

burg, South africa.

n In February 2011, Ser-

bian classes began being

held over the internet. The

Ministry for the Diaspora

has made teaching Serbian

language to the Diaspora

a priority. “Language is

the most important issue

concerning the preservation

of culture and identity in

Serbia,” announced Vukman

Krivokuca, Deputy Minister

for Diaspora.

n In august 2011, the

St. Sava Summer School

brought together Serbian

diaspora children from Mac-

edonia, albania, austria,

australia, Canada, Poland,

Romania and Switzerland.

The participants learn how

to speak Serbian and how

to write Cyrillic, share their

experiences and learn about

Serbian traditions and cul-

ture. The goal of the school

is to familiarize young

people from the diaspora

with Serbian heritage. Since

the school’s establishment

in 1995, 1,500 students from

over 15 countries have at-

tended. (MDR)

n In January 2012, the Min-

istry of Diaspora developed

electronic textbooks for

three age groups: from

first to third, from fourth

to sixth, and seventh and

eighth grade. The textbooks

can be downloaded free of

charge from the ministry’s

website and consist of Ser-

bian songs and background

information about customs,

culture and traditions.

Education & the Serbian language


conclusion


1. potential of kosovo’s diaspora

as this study has shown, Kosovo’s

diaspora has historically proven to have

the passion and will for joining in efforts

to support the development and growth

of Kosovo. This study has highlighted that

the role of Kosovo’s diaspora is shifting

from providing remittances to strengthen-

ing Kosovo’s statehood and sharpening a

positive international image of the country

abroad. Kosovo’s diaspora is a tremendous

social capital for a small country seeking

to find its place in the growing globalized

world. Diaspora members’ access to foreign

decision-makers, businesses and public

spheres outside Kosovo must be used

intensively. Kosovo’s Government does not

need to reinvent the field of diaspora com-

munication, but can enhance the efficiency

and reach of its activities by learning from

the experiences of other countries. The use

of the diaspora could aid the overall efforts

of Kosovo’s Public Diplomacy to reverse the

negative image of a post-war society, build

bridges between people, attract investors

and strengthen diplomatic relations.

KOSOVO’S DIASPORA cAN BUILD BRIDGES BETWEEN PEOPLE, ATTRAcT INVESTORS AND STRENGTHEN DIPLOMATIc RELATIONS


2. observations and recommendations

Kosovo has already taken crucial steps to

improve its Public Diplomacy and increase the

involvement of its diaspora. Institutionally,

the position of a Deputy Minister for Public

Diplomacy was introduced within the Ministry

of Foreign affairs and a Ministry of Diaspora

was created. among the priorities of Kosovo

in international relations mentioned by the

Ministry of Foreign affairs are to “cultivate the

identity of Diaspora members, create sustain-

able links between them and the institutions

of the Republic of Kosovo, offer administrative

services, strengthen relations and communi-

cations with the Diaspora, offer educational

programs, and strengthen cultural relations

between the Republic of Kosovo and the

states where the Diaspora live.” The publicly

released foreign policy objectives of the

Kosovo Government name as a short-term ob-

jective the “promotion of Kosovo’s economy

in the world, [facilitating] contact between

Kosovo businesses and other friendly states,

attraction of foreign and diaspora invest-

ments.” However, beyond those ambitions,

the full potential of Kosovo’s diaspora has yet

to be tapped.

(i) Informal ambassadors

In recent years, Kosovo’s diaspora has al-

ready engaged in Public Diplomacy, whether

organized or unorganized. By the fact of

living abroad, many Kosovars have served

as informal ambassadors of the country. En-

counters with host societies, work relation-

ships, and educational and cultural interac-

tions have helped foreigners to understand

and get to know Kosovo to some degree.

On an individual basis, Kosovo has been

branded by many people. The Kosovar-Texan

pilot James Berisha undertook a unique

mission to fly a single-engine plane through-

out all the countries of Central and South

america and africa in a mission to lobby for

the recognition of Kosovo’s independence.

artists, sportsmen and sportswomen of

Kosovar origin living abroad have served the

Public Diplomacy of Kosovo intensively. In

the last Football World Cup, three players of

Kosovar origin played for Switzerland. Two

of them, Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka,

have recently been celebrated as the best

footballers in that country. another Koso-

var player, Fatmire Bajramaj, of Germany’s

THE FULL POTENTIAL OF KOSOVO’S DIASPORA HASyET TO BE TAPPED.


women’s football team, was nominated as

FIFa Player of the Year 2010, an award which

is given to the player who is thought to be

the best in the world.

Kosovo is also being promoted through

the medium of show business. a young

Kosovar refugee, Melinda ademi, auditioned

for the TV reality show american Idol in the

United States and was viewed by 26.1 mil-

lion viewers telling her story about Kosovo.

Rita Ora, a Kosovar living in the United King-

dom, has signed a major music contract with

Jay Z’s Roc Nation record company, and has

recently topped the Official UK ingles Chart

with her debut single. In most interviews,

Rita Ora emphasizes her background, family

and birthplace. She is considered by Jay Z

and music critics as an upcoming world diva.

These stories are but a few examples of Ko-

sovars who have reached out to audiences

all around the world. (For more details, see

the “Success Stories” chapter above.)

In a more organized fashion, associa-

tions and diaspora groups formed around

different interests have been able to gener-

ate attention, and at times even shape the

thinking and policies of other countries

towards Kosovo. In the United States, for

example, several associations including the

National albanian american Council (NaaC)

and the albanian american Civic League

(aaCL) have served as forums to lobby

Congressmen and policy makers such as Bob

Dole, Tom Lantos and Joe Biden to promote

and gain support for Kosovo. During the

conflict in late 1990s, diaspora members

were active in attracting worldwide atten-

tion for atrocities happening in Kosovo

and affecting and mobilizing international

public opinion.

(ii) Opportunities to expand the role of

diaspora members within Public Diplo-

macy

With a diaspora spread across the world,

Kosovo’s diaspora represents the country’s

social capital abroad. Kosovars are present

in more countries than there are official

diplomatic embassies of the country. From

Scandinavia to the Middle East, from North

to South africa, from Central asia to South

america, Kosovars have settled temporarily

or permanently. In today’s world, Kosovar

individuals, families and communities have

the chance to shape the image of their

country more than governmental diplomacy

efforts could ever do.

POTENTIAL OF KOSOVO’S DIASPORA

INFORMaL aMBaSSaDORS

CaTaLYSTS

ENTRY POINTS

LINKaGES

LOBBYISTS

ROLE MODELS


Diaspora as informal

ambassadors

Each and every Kosovar

living abroad represents Ko-

sovo, serving as an informal

ambassador on a day-to-day

basis. Work relationships,

friendships at schools and

universities, cultural interac-

tions and works of art allow

others to form some degree

of understanding about

Kosovo and shape percep-

tions of the country. In this

regard, diaspora individuals,

groups and communities

can influence the thinking of

publics abroad.

Diaspora as lobbyists

Diaspora individuals and

groups have often direct

access to host governments.

They vote, pay taxes and

hold elected officials ac-

countable to their vote. They

know the local language,

the culture and context, the

political background and

way of life, and have experi-

ence in business abroad.

Consequently, they are a

direct resource that can help

influence and shape policies

abroad.

Diaspora as linkages

& entry points

Kosovars abroad enjoy wide

individual and community

networks at a local level, be

it in religious organizations,

sports clubs or community

volunteer organizations.

From this basis, the diaspora

could reinforce links with

political and civil society as-

sociations, undertake trade

and business development,

city twinning, cultural ex-

changes and sports collabo-

ration, arts and educational

partnerships.

Diaspora as policy makers

and catalysts

More and more members

of the diaspora are becom-

ing involved in politics and

running for elected posi-

tions at a local and national

level in countries such as

Switzerland, the United

States, Croatia and Sweden.

Their direct involvement in

policy-making serves not

only the interests of Kosovar

communities abroad but

also as an entry point for

the promotion of Kosovo-

related interests. Equally,

using lessons learnt and

best practices from foreign

policies, the diaspora experi-

ence can serve as a catalyst

for developments in Kosovo.

Diaspora as the face of

Kosovo and role models

Many diaspora members

have attained success in

their own professional,

business, civic, academic,

cultural, artistic or sporting

lives. Their fame and respect

abroad can serve as the

public face of Kosovo, even

beyond the borders of their

host countries. at the same

time, their example can em-

power younger generations

of Kosovars at home and

abroad to reach their own

potential and goals.

The following examples are some of the many benefits a stronger diaspora involvement could bring for the strengthening of the country’s diplomacy


3. final remarks: beyond remittances

The role of diasporas is becoming in-

creasingly important for Public Diplomacy

approaches worldwide. The comparative

overview in this study has shown that there

is no single way to utilize diaspora for image

building. Countries have followed unique

approaches in determining the role of

diaspora in Public Diplomacy based on exist-

ing diaspora networks, the history of the

country’s international relations, financial

considerations and the country’s present

context. This study has outlined com-

parative examples which provide various

options for further policy planning linking

Public Diplomacy and Kosovo’s diaspora.

a request frequently expressed by

interviewees for this study has been to have

more streamlined and coherent leadership

by governmental institutions in providing

guidance on further diaspora engagement.

In summary of this study, the following five

points are suggested as guidance:

1 Diaspora members need to be acknowl-

edged for their achievements and

contributions. a system of recognitions

and incentives for diaspora members is nec-

essary, in order to empower and stimulate

individuals and communities to further

work in image building.

2 Second and third generations of Ko-

sovo’s diaspora have high potential to

help in strengthening Kosovo’s devel-

opment and enhancing its Public Diplomacy.

Many of them are well educated, integrated

and less preoccupied with the past than

previous generations. as new generations

shape their own future, the Government of

Kosovo could instigate the establishment of

regional networks among young Kosovars

abroad and equip them with easily accessi-

ble, solid information about Kosovo. Moreo-

ver, they could be supported in connecting

or reconnecting with Kosovo in order to

become familiar with their roots, language

and culture.

3 More progressive and coordinated

efforts between the Ministry of Dias-

pora, the Ministry of Foreign affairs,

the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports,

the Ministry of Trade and Industry and other

public entities could create synergies. One

option would be the creation of a compre-

hensive catalogue of actions, to publicly

OPTIONS FOR THE ENGAGEMENT OF KOSOVO’S DIASPORA

SYNERGIES BETWEEN GOVERNMENTaL INSTITUTIONS (E.G. “ONE-STOP-SHOP” SYSTEM)

aRT, CULTURE, SPORTS, aND BUSINESS aS SUCCESS STORIES

INTERNET & DIGITaL MEDIa (E.G. “INTERNET EMBaSSIES”)

REVOGNITION & aCKNOWLEDGEMENT OF DIaSPORa EFFORTS

FOCUS ON YOUNG 2ND/3RD GENERaTION DIaSPORa



n Kosovo Remittance Study 2010, UNDP Kosovo, 2010, http://www.ks.undp.org/repository/docs/Final-english.pdf

n Diaspora as a Driving Force for Development in Kosovo: Myth or Reality?, FDI and Swiss Cooperation Office Kosovo, 2009, http://www.deza.admin.ch/ressources/resource_en_183043.pdf

n Diaspora and Migration Policies, Forum 2015 and Riinvest Institute, 2007, http://www.riinvestinstitute.org/publikimet/pdf/50.pdf

n “Kosovo’s Diaspora”, Kosovo Ministry of Foreign affairs, http://www.mfa-ks.net/?page=2,105

n “The Foreign Policy Objectives”, Kosovo Ministry of Foreign affairs, http://www.mfa-ks.net/repository/docs/Kosovoforeignobjectives.pdf

3. final remarks: beyond remittances show who is in charge of which service

to the diaspora. another option is a joint

online portal which provides comprehensive

guidance specifically targeted at diaspora

members (a “one-stop-shop system”) about

administrative matters, elections, business

investments and diaspora networks.

4 The power of art, film, culture and

sports needs to be embraced in the

public diplomacy approach towards di-

aspora. The achievements of individuals liv-

ing in Kosovo and abroad have shown that

artists and sportsmen are crucial for raising

awareness about Kosovo and helping with

image building. Looking at success stories

like those of Rita Ora, Petrit Ceku, Sislej

Xhafa, Tony Dovolani, Fadil Berisha, Xherdan

Shaqiri, Fatmire Bajramaj, Lorik Cana, Luan

Krasniqi and the Famous Famiglia Pizzeria

demonstrated that there is a positive dimen-

sion to Kosovo’s diaspora image.

5 In the 21st century, internet and digital

media are the main instruments of

communication. Since members of

the diaspora are spread across continents,

and Kosovo’s Government is unable to have

physical presence in every country where di-

aspora has settled, online communication is

the best way to reach out to Kosovo’s global

diaspora. a highly recommended option is

to establish “internet embassies” which can

help diaspora to gain access to more infor-

mation about Kosovo and become better

ambassadors for the country. Furthermore,

joint and coordinated efforts by all minis-

tries and public entities could enable the

production of a coherent guide for Kosovo

diaspora about how to communicate and

promote Kosovo abroad

a small country like Kosovo with many of

its citizens living abroad cannot afford a for-

eign policy without its diaspora. Kosovo and

its diaspora can benefit each other, promote

domestic development and foster regional

cooperation. Kosovo’s diaspora is at the

beginning of being embraced as a social

capital for image building. Extending dias-

pora involvement beyond the contribution

of remittances will not only enhance the

country’s capacities for Public Diplomacy

but also allow people at home and abroad to

continue creating a future together.


acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Drilon

Gashi for his invaluable support during this

study, particularly for his research on Ko-

sovo’s diaspora in the United States and his

help in organizing the roundtable at Colum-

bia University. agim Hoxha (Foreign Policy

Club) and aleksandra Ristovic (Candidate

for Master of Public Diplomacy, USC) have

kindly given research support, especially

for the comparative case study chapter.

alban Bokshi of the Foreign Policy Club has

thoughtfully taken care of all organizational

matters.

Democracy for Development (D4D)

kindly hosted a “Tuesday Salon” in Pristina

on the role of diaspora engagement. The

Harriman Institute for Russian, Eurasian,

and Eastern European Studies and the

School of International and Public affairs

(SIPa) at Columbia University generously

supported the expert talk in New York. Many

thanks to them for their great help and their

collaboration.

The time and precious support of all

partners and interviewees was much appre-

ciated, among them (in alphabetical order),

Maureen abi Ghanem, Laura agosta, Ruben

avxhiu, Jetmir Bakija, Fadil Berisha, alban

Bokshi, anna Di Lellio, arben Gecaj, amir

Haxhikadrija, Valmir Ismaili, Giorgio Kolaj,

Venera Kusari, Naomi Leight, Besa Luzha,

Minister Ibrahim Makolli, Leon Malazogu,

Hana Marku, andamion Murataj, avni Musta-

faj, Shinasi Rama, Krenar Roka and ambas-

sador avni Spahiu.

Foreign Policy Club is a nongovernmental organiza-

tion comprised of distinguished intellectuals, politi-

cians and civil society activists, with an affinity

towards foreign policy. The Foreign Policy Club, the

leading international relations think-tank organiza-

tion in Kosova, by means of an intellectual debate

and through recommendations, aims to induce

Kosova’s foreign policies, to the benefit of peace in

Kosova, region and worldwide. The Club generates

debates, analyzes developments and provides rec-

ommendations on Kosova’s foreign policy; focuses

in analyzing global trends which have an impact

on the political-economic situation of Kosova, as

well as exploring opportunities for Kosova in an

integrated world. The Club strives to bring into

attention the necessary steps of Kosova’s policy vis-

à-vis these developments.

Foreign Policy ClubKlubi për Politikë të JashtmeFerat Dragaj 39/aaktash II, 10000 Prishtinëforeignpolicyclub.orgE-mail: info @ eklubi.org


about the authors

bEHAR XHARRABehar Xharra is a policy consultant focusing

on development strategies. He has worked

for various governmental and non-govern-

mental agencies in Pristina. He has served as

UNDP Senior MDG expert in the assembly of

Kosovo and has also worked for UNDP Bang-

ladesh. Behar Xharra is a graduate of the

School of International and Public affairs

(SIPa), Columbia University. He has been a

fellow at the Harriman Institute at Columbia

University and Empedocle Maffia Fellow of

the Center for International Conflict Resolu-

tion at Columbia University. Most recently,

he has been working as a policy consultant

on vocational education and employment in

Lagos, Nigeria.

MARTIN WäHLISCHMartin Waehlisch is an international lawyer

and policy consultant. Over the last few

years, he has worked on governmental

and non-governmental projects in Kosovo,

Lebanon and Germany. He has taught Inter-

national Law and Public Diplomacy in the

summer program at the american University

of Kosovo. He has been a visiting fellow at

the Harriman Institute at Columbia Universi-

ty and Ernst C. Stiefel fellow at the Institute

for Global Law, Justice, and Policy at New

York Law School. Most recently, he has been

a visiting fellow at the Lauterpacht Centre

for International Law at the University of

Cambridge.

Behar Xharra and Martin Wählisch were the authors of the first study on Kosovo’s Public

Diplomacy “Public Diplomacy of Kosovo: Status Quo, Challenges and Options”, published in

2011 with the USC Center on Public Diplomacy at the University of Southern California and

the Friedrich-Ebert Foundation in Pristina.

Visit their project website on Kosovo’s diaspora: http://www.kosovodiaspora.org/

Citation:

Xharra, X. and Wählisch. M., 2012. Beyond Remit-

tances: Public Diplomacy and Kosovo‘s Diaspora.

Pristina: Foreign Policy Club.

To contact the authors:

[email protected]

[email protected]

Editorial Consultant:

Suzanne Eade Roberts

[email protected]

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