The potential of return migration as a resource for EU public diplomacy efforts: a case-study of New Zealand return migrants from the EU. (3rd March 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chaban, Natalia; Holland, Martin; Smith, Nicholas
• Is Part Of: European journal of cross-cultural competence and management. Volume 1:Number 4(2010)
• Page Start: 378
• Page End: 398
• Publication Date: 2011-03-03
• Subjects: European Union -- EU -- New Zealand -- NZ -- return migration -- public diplomacy -- perceptions -- return migrants; Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; Intercultural communication -- Periodicals; Corporate culture -- Periodicals; 303.482
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-1508

Abstract

External construction of the European unity idea is an under-researched topic in EU scholarship. This paper explores the potential of return migration from the EU to third countries to the study and practice of EU public diplomacy and external relations. Attempting to conceptualise the phenomenon of return migration within theories of public diplomacy, this analysis focuses on a case-study of New Zealand (NZ) sojourners from the EU-27 and investigates their awareness and perceptions of the EU, compared with those of the NZ general public's views of the Union. The results of one case-study are presented – a purposive survey of EU perceptions among a particular focus-group. Ultimately, this research assesses the importance of returnees' experiences to the effective practice of EU public diplomacy and considers the importance of 'perceptions' studies in shaping Europe's interactions with the world.