Nationalism, diaspora and ‘civilisational mission’: the case of Syrian nationalism in Latin America between World War I and World War II

Abstract

Abstract. The notion of ‘civilisational mission’ (risala hadariyya) is a core concept of nationalism, particularly of Arab and Syrian nationalism. Its importance lies in the ability to bring three aspects of nationalist thought into one pattern of meaning: the projected modernisation of the nation, the nation's quest for recognition and equal participation in the international arena, and the claim to political leadership of the rising educated middle class. In the Syrian diaspora during the interwar period, the notion was additionally shaped by the refutation of the neo‐colonial aspirations of the mandate powers (mission civilisatrice) as well as by the interaction between the diaspora community and the host society. This article analyses this concept in its discursive context focusing on Dr Khalil and Antun Sa‘adeh, who were both eminent intellectuals, party founders and editors of several diasporic newspapers and magazines in Argentina and Brazil.

مأسسة الحراك المدني في المنفى: الضرورة، وتطوير الكفاءة المهنية، والفضاء الذاتي في حالة الناشطات السوريات في برلين

“…Until now, there is a considerable lack in literature on Syrian diaspora groups, particularly regarding the nature and dynamics of their engagement with Syria. Studies that exist on Syrian diaspora mobilisation before the conflict dealt mainly with identity construction and forms of nationalism of the Syrian diaspora in North and Latin America in the pre-World War II era (Gualtieri, 2009;Schumann, 2004). Yet, the escalation of the conflict and the large-scale displacement of Syrians, have led to an increasing interest in studying the Syrian diaspora.…”

The Post-September 11 Rise of Islamophobia: Identity and the ‘Clash of Civilizations’ in Europe and Latin America

“…67 The founding experience of colonialism and the high influx of migrants early in Argentina's history promoted cultural hybridization and mutual involvement. 68 Essentially, "Latin America's experiences of colonialism, neo-colonialism and internal colonialism mean that its national 'identities' have always been multifold, created and re-created in a continuous process of negotiation and renegotiation with both the others without and the others within. " 69 The result of this ongoing process of defining identity has been an internal identity of inclusion, and external identity of Hispanoamericanismo and anti-imperialism/ Americanization.…”