Mobilizing Memory Diasporas, Transnational Sectarianism, and the Memory of Violence

Memory has power. Memory and narratives of violence—beyond the acts themselves—shape identity and subjectivity. The significance of narrative lies not just in the story told, but in the political, social, and nationalist contexts surrounding it. When is memory invoked and why? How are acts of violence contextualized, narrativized, and mythicized? What galvanizes, or not, around the memory of the violence? Furthermore, how does violence expose the significant underpinnings of power inequalities and societal fissures that contribute to conditions conducive to its occurrence? The connection between memory and violence is crucial in understanding how memory is used to bolster, challenge, and upset power. In diaspora communities, memories of violence are often reproduced, utilized, and even weaponized to rouse support and advocacy. These memories are shared and altered over time and across different contexts, influenced by the unique experiences of each generation. The impact of violence extends beyond the act itself; it encompasses the memory and mythologies constructed around it. The memory of violence plays a crucial role in diaspora political mobilization by fostering a shared sense of identity and purpose among members that stirs a response. The ways diasporas remember violence provides critical insights into contemporary power inequalities in both their nations of residence and origin. Diasporas navigate a distinctive space of belonging and political influence, being neither fully here nor there, they are simultaneously both here and there, embodying both identities. This paper explores the intricacies of memory, particularly the memory of violence, and the power behind its utilization by examining how the Coptic, Chaldean, and Assyrian diasporas mobilize memory. It argues that accounts of violence and memories of historic persecution and marginalization are deeply interconnected with the current climate of power inequality experienced by these diasporas transnationally, both in their countries of origin and their host nations. Collective memory within the diaspora gives insight into the systems of power that govern, and seek to govern, their daily lives. Moreover, by engaging in advocacy efforts, these diasporas emerge as significant transnational actors within democratic systems. Rather than framing diasporas as separate, outsider, isolated groups, this paper positions them as essential checks and balances to the systems of governance from their countries of origin and host nations. Their evolving roles reflect a global reality of citizenship characterized by changing borders—borders of land and identity. As one of the leading destinations for refugees and asylum seekers from the Middle East, San Diego has emerged as a diaspora center, a prolific space to explore how collective memory within diasporic communities shapes our understanding of broader issues related to power and violence, and the historic developments and transnational dynamics of sectarian violence