Online Political Activism:the Case Study Of Bulgarian Diaspora

This thesis explores the topic of online political activism among Bulgarian diaspora members. The paper conceptualizes the political activities of migrants spanning both their homeland and their host country. The analysis seeks to determine whether the Internet enhances political activities within diaspora communities. The method employed for this study is in-depth interviews. The empirical research was conducted among10Bulgarians living in Europe and North America. Thematic analysis of the data demonstrates that the Internet does not mobilize previously passive members of diaspora and at the same time provides new opportunities for active members to be involved. Furthermore, the data indicate that the traditional political activities are likely to be gradually replaced with online political activities. Three types of online political activities are identified among Bulgarian diaspora:awareness, mobilisation and action. The research also presents empirical evidence that Bulgarian diaspora members are mainly involved in political activities of their country of origin. Three main reasons are found to be associated with this phenomenon:the myth of eventual return; the sustaining of the national identity; the limited acceptance in the country of residence. The research has concluded that the Internet enhances political activities among the active members of diaspora by allowing them to be informed, to share their opinions and create online petitions and political groups. The sample chosen for this study is a relatively small one, therefore, the study does not make any great claims on political activism among diaspora groups.