Immigration, Diaspora, and Minorities

Immigration has always played a significant role in human history. A close look over the ages reveals that most people are descendants of immigrants. Immigration preceded the nation-state and the concept of territorial sovereignty, and continues to be a challenge in our times, which are characterized by immigration on an unprecedented scale. In Asia, tens of millions are moving throughout the continent, inside and between countries; they are changing Asia demographically, economically, culturally, and politically. A map of Asia shows political boundaries but omits ethnic groups—mainly minority groups living in Asian nation-states. The map also ignores the diaspora communities and the supra-national ethnic networks that are the main products of immigration. In the courses led by Dr. Michal Zelcer-Lavid, Dr. Ran Shauli, and Dr. Gideon Elazar, we will unveil these minorities and ethnic networks and groups; we will get to know Christians and other religious minorities in China, the persecuted Uyghurs, the Mongols and their contemporary literature, and the Chinese diaspora groups in Southeast Asia and outside of Asia.