Palestinian Transnational Actors and the Construction of the Homeland

16 pagesInternational audienceThis essay is drawn from wider research on Palestinian transnational spaces in the UK, and based on an analysis of general publications, newsletters, various resources available on websites, pamphlets, and observations during activities organised by these groups. After introducing the situation of Palestinians in the UK, I will situate the present study in the historical context of the formation of transnational practices among these communities. I will then consider grassroots solidarity networks engaged in development projects in Palestine, as part of wider campaigns to support Palestinian human and national rights. I will mainly focus on two campaigns - BIG and Stop the Wall Campaigns - that involve actors in the UK, Palestine and worldwide to stress on new developments in grassroots politics in relation to Palestine, since these practices epitomise the interaction between local and global processes in the formation of transnational politics. Finally, this will enable me to examine the relationship between transnational politics, nation-state building and local political practices in pro-Palestinian advocacy, underlying the possible role of these actions in reshaping social contexts, both in the UK and in Palestine