Despite the increasing importance of the concept of 'diaspora', including its widespread use in academic case studies and in the self-description of a number of minority communities, the subject has to date received relatively little general scholarly treatment. Featuring essays by internationally-renowned scholars from disciplines such as history, religion, political science, geography, sociology, anthropology, postcolonial literature and cultural studies, this timely collection addresses this lack by charting the various ways in which global population movements and associated social, political and cultural issues have been seen through the lens of 'diaspora'. Wide-ranging and interdisciplinary, the book contains examinations of major concepts and theories, including migration, ethnicity and postcolonialism. It also provides introductions to selected key diasporas - from the Russian-Jewish diaspora to the Iranian diaspora in the West - as well as discussions of diaspora in relation to a range of important issues and processes, and explorations of new directions in research. This is an essential text for anyone studying, working or interested in this increasingly vital subject.