Resettlement of Karen Refugees - the Creation of Karen Transnationalism and its' Limitations: a Minor Field Study May-July 2007

Abstract: The thesis is investigating creation of Karen transnationality as a result of mass-resettlement of Karen refugees to third countries focusing on transnational identity and political, social and economic activism towards the territory of origin. The methodology used for the purpose of the study is ethnographic fieldwork, field observations, semi-structured interviews and statistical data. The potential and limitation of Karen transnational identity including aspects as networks, organisation, communication, the current situation in the territory of origin and the socio-economic situation of Karen refugees in host countries are presented and discussed. Furthermore, the prospect of Karen diasporas to became political, social and economic actors is investigated, as well as possibilities and obstacles on political, social and economic activity towards society of origin are illustrated.