The Coptic diaspora and the status of the Coptic minority in Egypt

Abstract

This paper examines the political activity of the Coptic diaspora in the United States in support of the Coptic minority in Egypt. Analysing its strategy reveals that for years it has focused on lobbying the United States and international bodies, in order to raise international awareness of the Coptic minority status. By using this strategy, it has framed the struggle for Copts' rights in a manner that contradicts the Egyptian unity narrative, and the strategic choices of those they are struggling for. This paper shows that understanding the limitations of this strategy alongside a change in the structure of opportunities in Egypt has led to a change in the pattern of activity of the diaspora activists. Alongside lobbying for international involvement, they have developed additional strategies, including strengthening their influence in the homeland and even direct action vis-à-vis the Egyptian authorities. This paper, which emphasises the pattern of action of diaspora activists that represent minorities, directs attention to the structure of opportunities in the homeland, the variety of relationships between the diaspora and the homeland, and their effect on the ability of the diaspora activists to become a significant force in shaping the life of the minority. ARTICLE HISTORY

Sending States and the Making of Intra-Diasporic Politics: Turkey and Its Diaspora(s)

“…China’s intra-diasporic politics include Tibetan and Uyghur mobilizations, in addition to Han Chinese, and India’s intra-diasporic politics include Sikh, Tamil, and Muslim diasporas, in addition to Hindu nationalist. Egypt’s diasporic politics are a mix of secular, Muslim, and Coptic (Yefet 2017). Similarly, the diaspora politics of Iran is marked by multiple and competing stances, including contestations between devout Shi’a and secular forms of “non- Islamiosity” (Gholami 2014).…”