Diasporas, Ethnicity and US Foreign Policy
H&G7-10-Wed1
Dr. Athanasios Grammenos
This course will take place virtually on Zoom. Participation in this course requires a device (ideally a computer or tablet, rather than a cell phone) with a camera and microphone in good working order and basic familiarity with using Zoom and accessing email
September 11 - November 13
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the intricate relationships between diasporas, ethnicity, and American politics. The course spans ten sessions, each designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of this compelling subject. In the inaugural session, we delve into the historical perspective of diasporas, unveiling the enduring practice of migration that has shaped the diaspora phenomenon. Subsequent sessions gradually unfold the complex layers of the United States as an amalgamation of diverse ethnicities, with particular emphasis on historical diasporas. The course subsequently navigates through the intricacies of US foreign policy and its interaction with ethnicity, raising questions about the extent of tolerance within the US political system towards organized pressure from ethnic groups.
Further sessions lead students through the experience of various diasporas, such as the Greek-Americans, the Armenian diaspora marked by a history of genocide, the emerging dynamic community of Latinos, and the diasporas from the former communist bloc, highlighting their strategic importance within the American context. Additionally, the course critically investigates Islamic diasporas in the West and their role in the supposed "clash of civilizations." Finally, we turn our attention to the horizon, addressing the new diasporas and the evolving landscape of migration in the United States. By the conclusion of this course, students will possess a profound comprehension of diasporas' historical origins, sociological attributes, and their oftentimes overlooked role in shaping U.S. foreign policy.
Roughly the same amount of lecture and discussion.
All materials will be provided on a class website or by email links.
1-2 hours/week.
Athanasios Grammenos (PhD) is an instructor and researcher of International Relations. He teaches at Aristotle University and has taught at Piraeus University. He is a past Library Fellow of Sacramento State University and a recipient of a NATO scholarship from the Greek Foreign Ministry. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in high-impact factor journals. He is the author of the book Orthodox American; Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America in Greek American Relations (1959-1996).