From diaspora to transnational flows

Croatia has felt the deep impact of its dynamic migrations, voluntary and involuntary, economic and political, to neighbouring and New World countries. Diverse migration flows preclude any uniform analysis of the process, starting with the creation of its early diaspora communities centuries ago, which was followed by economic migration to overseas and European countries, with political and renewed economic migration over the last decades. Major technological and communication changes over the last several decades have had an impact on the dynamics of diverse links established with the country of origin. The independence of Croatia and the breakdown of ideological barriers did not eliminate emigration but provided a new stimulus to the development and expansion of personal and business links, as well as contacts and networks of migrants and their descendants with the place of origin. These global and local structural changes have brought about new dynamics with regard to transnational social spaces grounded in institutional frameworks established from below by migrants. However, it encounters new challenges due to aging demographic structures both in Croatia and among its migrant community. This article analyses complexities of the transnational aspects of the migration process experienced by diverse migrant generations.25 page(s