Publications

Across European policy circles—most notably in Germany, which hosts around one million Syrians—there is growing interest in mobilising the Syrian diaspora as a resource for reconstruction and in encouraging them  to return. Policy initiatives increasingly focus on assessing the diaspora’s potential to contribute to reconstruction, investment and expertise, often framing diaspora engagement as a cornerstone of Syria’s future. This bicc peacebit shifts the focus of these debates. Rather than examining what the diaspora could do, it asks how the diaspora is actually perceived by those inside Syria. Drawing on 51 interviews conducted with Syrians inside the country in March 2026—primarily in Raqqa and Homs—as part of a research project, this peacebit explores how diaspora communities are viewed in relation to reconstruction, return and national recovery.

Read the full peacebit here.