Authors

Discussion

This paper explores the transformative role of diaspora diplomacy in advancing democratic change, using the Republic of Moldova as a case study. The Moldovan diaspora - one of the most politically active in Eastern Europe - has emerged as a key non-state actor shaping the country’s democratic trajectory. Through civic mobilization, advocacy, and transnational networking, diaspora communities have influenced both domestic reform agendas and international perceptions of Moldova’s political development.

The first part of the paper conceptualizes diaspora diplomacy as an extension of citizen and public diplomacy, emphasizing its distinct hybrid nature: rooted in emotional attachment to the homeland yet practiced through transnational engagement. Drawing on examples from recent electoral cycles and democratic advocacy campaigns, the paper analyses how Moldovan diaspora organizations have institutionalized advocacy, leveraged digital platforms, and built coalitions with civil society and international partners to promote transparency, accountability, and European integration.

The second part situates these practices within the broader context of democratization from abroad, highlighting the mechanisms through which diasporas act as informal diplomatic agents. It assesses their contribution to electoral integrity, civic education, and the diffusion of democratic norms, while also addressing challenges such as politicization, fragmentation, and state-diaspora mistrust.

Finally, Moldova’s case demonstrates that diaspora diplomacy is not merely about representation abroad - it is an evolving form of democratic agency that complements traditional diplomacy and reinforces the resilience of democratic institutions.