In 2007, the annual remittances sent from diaspora’s to their home countries exceeded $251 billion. In the Philippines alone, the funds sent from overseas to family members exceeded $1 billion a month (Esman 2009: 6). Who are the diaspora and why are they significant in today’s global economy? More importantly, do they play a role in maintenance of peace or exacerbate conflict in their home countries?

Diasporas arrive as conquerors and settlers, like the Spaniards in the America’s or Nor...