This dissertation is about state-based ethno-national diasporas in contemporary Europe, with a particular focus on those that have been in existence or have arisen since the end of World War II. Its purpose is to assess the implications for European security that arise from the triangular relationships among such diasporas, their current host countries where they are a minority, and their ancestral homelands where their ethno-national kin comprise a governing majority. To that end, it provides a general framework for assessing the circumstances under which such diaspora situations might give rise to threats to international peace and security.; The framework model begins with an examination of diaspora grievances and resources. It then looks at mobilizing and linking variables that might cause the diaspora to seek outside assistance and lead the homeland or the international community to respond favorably to such appeals in ways that would cause an escalation of tensions between the host country and the homeland or the international community.; Nine case studies are evaluated against the criteria of the model. The results of that evaluation reveal that tensions and, therefore, the likelihood of war, are highest when the diaspora situation is relatively new, the diaspora is concentrated along the borders with the old homeland, and the homeland perceives a self-interest beyond the grievances of the diaspora in taking action against the host country. As democracy in host country and/or homeland increases and stabilizes, however, tensions are likely to decrease. There is also clear evidence that the current predilection in Europe is for in-place solutions that will ameliorate diaspora conditions within the host country. The prospects for democratization and successful in-place amelioration have, moreover, been markedly increased over the last decade by the lure of institutional Europe, where the European Union constitutes an irresistible carrot and NATO an unavoidable stick.
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