Dr. Martin Russell: Ireland’s Global Diaspora Thought Leader

Through its ongoing “Global Irish Nation Conversation” Irish Stew is all about connecting the worldwide Irish family, so sitting down with Dr. Martin Russell, one of the world's foremost diaspora engagement strategists, felt like a meeting of kindred missions. The proud Corkonian has spent nearly two decades turning diaspora theory into practice, working with governments and communities across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Balkans, all while championing Ireland's potential to be a global leader in the field.Hosts John Lee and Martin Nutty open with a thought-starter on the "diaspora World Cup" unfolding across North America, then trace Russell's journey from a would-be mathematician at UCC to a scholar of the Irish diaspora's role in the Northern Ireland peace process. Along the way, Russell unpacks the famous 70 million Irish worldwide figure, his four pillars of diaspora engagement, and the crucial distinction between migration and diaspora."Other partners come and go and that's fine. That's the nature of life. But your diaspora are a community of consistency if you do it well," Russell says, making the case to governments worldwide.The conversation turns to Ireland's new Diaspora Strategy 2026–2030, which Russell's research helped inform, the duty of care owed to the vulnerable Irish abroad, and the threat of "diaspora fade" in Irish America. His answer? "The quick answer is don't let it happen, be active."A masterclass in belonging from a thought leader who's incredibly bullish on the diaspora's future.MARTIN RUSSELL LINKSLinkedInThe Diaspora InstituteThe Networking InstituteEPISODE REFERENCE LINKS Ireland’s Diaspora Strategy, 2026-2030NY Times: Is this the diaspora World Cup? EU Global Diaspora Facility  Institute for Integrated TransitionsBOOKSFragile Neighborhoods by Seth KaplanBelonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides by Jeffrey CohenOn Belonging: Finding Connection in an Age of Isolation  by Kim SamuelIRISH STEW LINKSWebsite Home PageFacebookInstagramLinkedInMedia Partner: IrishCentralEpisode Details: Season 8, Episode 21; Total Episode Count: 162Send us Fan Mail