Spreading the World: Diaspora Networks

The advance of technology over the last few decades has led to quite a few things, both positive and negative. One specific phenomenon it has had a huge impact on is the ability of diasporas to form globally intertwined networks. These networks have had a huge influence on many facets of our culture, especially science and business. These networks can have profound positive influence on both their home and host country in terms of economic success and technological advancement. However, there are government agents and policies which act against these people. Many people throughout the US and Europe are trying to increase border security and would rather keep illegal immigrants out than educate their children. The United States educates foreign individuals in its universities then kicks them out of the country. A move some have called ‘National Suicide.’ This negative attitude toward foreigners is drawn from a low point in the cyclical economy and pressures to secure the border. However, attitudes like this can turn away a potent economic force for one’s country.

First, consider the sheer size of these networks and their endless possibilities. There are 215 million first generation migrants living around the world, around 40 percent more than there were in 1990 (Migration and Business). A disproportionate part of this number comes from those individuals hailing from China and India. More Chinese people live outside China than French people in France, while there are about 22 million Indians spread across the globe. In addition to their size, because of the new technology, they can keep in touch much easier. There is a constant flow of information and money from country to country. Unlike a country, its people do not have borders and are able to flow fluidly across country borders (assuming immigration is permitted).

There are three main reasons that these individuals are so influential on societies. First, they speed the flow of information across borders. A business man in Africa will quickly inform his uncle in China of the growing demand for a specific product. Second, these relationships foster trust, which are an integral part of business dealings. You and I may be willing to buy a product from someone who may seem dishonest as long as the product functions. However, when investing hundreds of thousands in foreign machinery, it is important to trust your supplier. That business man in China will trust his nephew in Africa and agree to a huge deal selling the products in demand. The last reason is that diasporas create connections that allow collaboration within and across ethnicities. As one Chines business man put it, “networking is not just supportive of the business strategy; networking is the business strategy” (Migration and Business). These connections allow for easier foreign direct investment since the diasporas understand the local business culture, an important and often overlooked fragment of business.

As previously mentioned, two countries that are succeeding particularly well with these diaspora networks and globalization is China and India. Indian computer scientists constantly bounce ideas off their counterparts in Silicon Valley, using a new perspective to foster innovation. China’s technology industry is dominated by ‘sea turtles’ (Chinese citizens who have lived or studied abroad and have returned) (The Magic of Diasporas). Recently, Mary Weidenbaum has determined that the economic output of Chinese overseas amounts to about $500 billion per year (India, China Diaspora). China has a much larger and older, therefore more established diaspora network, but China is now trying to bring back those overseas from sectors such as scholars and professionals. Strategies they are using, such as incentives and patriotic rhetoric could prove to be useful for India as well. Due in large part to these diaspora, China has won the race to become the world’s factory and if India stays on this track, it could soon become the world’s tech lab (India, China Diaspora).

Going forward, because of increasing technology and increasing globalization, we will most likely see an increase in diaspora networks power and ability. When international decisions are made, we must not only consider those inside a country’s mainland, but also those around the world who call that country home. The ability for a country to practice isolationism is becoming increasingly difficult. This also counters the theory of a brain drain, that when citizens go overseas to study and stay there, they are robbing your country of valuable assets. However, because of the information age, one does not have to choose between countries, and can still be valuable economically and socially even from half way across the globe. Diasporas allow for the free flow of ideas across borders. Scientists alert each other of interesting experiments going on in their labs and collaborate on new ideas. Individuals who return from abroad bring a new perspective to their field. Perhaps this will let certain countries enforce their beliefs onto others, and perhaps that is not so bad. Additionally, diasporas spread money. Migrants not only help their host country by simply producing output and consumption, but also send money back home to their families. Also, the diversity among management makes for easier entry into foreign market, creating a true global market. We are moving to an age where everything is outsourced and globalized, largely in part to these diaspora networks. In the long run they will help the world economy grow and increase everyone’s slice. They will help raise innovations by bringing the world’s best minds to a similar focus. Soon enough, the world will not act as many separate entities competing with each other for economic and social power, but as one huge platform for the exchange of ideas and wealth.

Works Cited:

“Migration and Business: Weaving the World Together.” The Economist. Nov 19, 2011.

“The World Economy: The Magic of Diaspors.” The Economist. Nov 19, 2011.

“India, China diaspora: Winning the World’s Foactory and Tech Lab Race.” The Economic Times. 20 December 2009