Transnationalism

Transnationalism refers to those economic, political, and cultural processes extending beyond the boundaries of nation-states. It suggests a weakening of the control a nation-state has over its borders, inhabitants, and territory. Increased immigration in developed countries in response to global economic development has resulted in multicultural societies where immigrants are more likely to maintain contact with their culture of origin and less likely to assimilate. Therefore, loyalty to the state may compete equally with allegiance to a culture or religion. With increased global mobility and access to instantaneous worldwide communication technology, boundaries dissolve and the territorial controls imposed by the traditional nation-state become less relevant. However, state definitions of citizenship and nationality and the rules for political participation may become more relevant for transnational groups.

Globalization is a related concept that represents the intensification of economic, cultural, and political practices accelerating across the globe. Although many large corporations have been operating globally for decades, the Internet now enables small organizations and individuals access to an instantaneous worldwide communication network. Global processes are closely related to transnationalism, yet tend to be separate from specific national boundaries. Transnational processes, on the other hand, are anchored in and transcend one or more nation-states. The impacts of the transnational migration of groups, although different, need to be understood within the context of globalization. The changes created by each are mutually reinforcing.