The purpose of this workshop is to examine the interplay between individual and communal identity construction on the one hand and the political dimensions of diaspora in homeland and host states on the other. The workshop will bring together 15-18 scholars from various disciplines, working on questions regarding the role of diaspora in identity politics and ambivalences of belonging. Papers will focus on comparative case studies, theoretical orientations, as well as the impact of diaspora formation on policies in homeland and host states. Case studies will include diaspora from Iran, North Africa, South Asia, Central and Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. Comparative studies of diaspora host and home state policies will also be considered (e.g. Canada, Russia, Gambia, UK, Holland). Participants have been selected for their subject matter expertise as well as their awareness of policy relevant research. It is expected that contributors to the workshop will prepare a draft paper in advance of the workshop. Participants will benefit from peer review during the workshop, and will be given an opportunity to revise their papers following the workshop with a view to publishing the best of the papers as a collection.