I argue in Global diasporas: an Introduction (2008) that it is important to avoid a formal definition of diaspora and deliberately use the expression ‘common features’ signify not every will exhibit feature listed, nor they be present same degree over time all settings. analogize following features as main ‘strands’ go into making ‘diasporic rope’.

The historical prototype of a diaspora is course the Jews in “dispersion” after Second Jewish war. With defeat that war 135 they were no longer allowed to live Palestine, and “dispersed” all over Mediterranean world further afield. It true also prior momentous event there had been permanent communities outside but we nevertheless associate diaspora-ness with people deprived homeland. Also some ...