Homeland–diaspora nexus during crisis: Towards a transformed engagement model

Historically, Greece perceived and approached its diaspora as a source of philanthropic funding, economic remittances and lobbying on matters of domestic and foreign policy interests. The 2009 economic crisis, the subsequent emigration wave, have added new meanings and dimensions to the Greek diaspora–homeland nexus. Drawing on qualitative analysis and process‐tracing, this article argues that the crisis has transformed the dynamics of the homeland–diaspora relation especially when it comes to political engagement from abroad. While investigating the reasons behind this transfiguration, the article examines the changing features of the Greek diaspora's political engagement, by examining the influence wielded by homeland political parties and by conducting an in‐depth analysis of the diasporic vote. The article also delves into the influence of technology to the emergence of transnational political engagement and the establishment of novel diaspora networks.