Diaspora diplomacy in the making: The Case of Latvian diaspora professionals working in international organisations

Abstract Nationals living abroad are increasingly recognised as important, yet often overlooked, actors in international diplomacy. Unlike previous research – which has focused mainly on states and diasporas as singular entities – this study highlights the pivotal contributions of individuals. It introduces a new theoretical framework that emphasises the multifaceted roles of professionals in international organisations as resources for strengthening their home state’s development, influence, and global visibility. The study examines the actors involved in diaspora diplomacy, how diplomatic work is conducted by, for, and through diasporas, and what motivates citizen diplomats. The analysis draws on a survey ( N = 150), six focus groups ( N = 18), and four interviews with highly skilled Latvian professionals in international organisations. Findings reveal the decentralised, networked nature of diaspora diplomacy, challenging the notion of the state or diaspora as a singular actor. Individual diaspora members play vital roles, advancing their home country’s goals and visibility through their professional activities. All core functions of public diplomacy – communication, representation, listening, advocacy, and nation branding – are actively performed at the individual level by citizen diplomats. However, the degree to which states benefit from this resource depends on having a coordinated strategy for diaspora engagement.