The issues to be covered during the symposium include: the definition and significance of a Diaspora community; the economic, sociological, and psychological trends in the Iranian Diaspora; issues facing second-generation Iranians; the issues faced by Iranian women both inside and outside of Iran; the influence of Iranian expatriates on Iranian politics, as well as the growing social and political influence of Iranians in their communities abroad.

The conference is a meeting point of academics, artists, young professionals, writers, students, filmmakers, and scientists who will be presenting on various aspects of the Diaspora. As Iranians in the Diaspora continue to build roots in their new countries and a generation of hyphenated Iranians (Iranian-Americans, British-Iranians, French-Iranians, etc) enter their mid-twenties, the social and psychological implications of this new community need to be addressed. It is often cited that Iranian-Americans are the most successful minorities in the United States. Is this true? If so, what does "successful" mean? What are it's implications? How integrated and involved are Iranians in their new countries? Where is this community now, how is it growing, and in what direction should the various communities continue to grow? How important is knowledge of Farsi for the second-generation, and what ties, if any, does this generation have with Iran? What types of alliances can be forged between Iranians in the various communities they now call home?

These questions will be addressed in this conference, with the hope that this will be the beginning of discussion. As hyphenated Iranians become further rooted in their new societies, it is important to look at identity and community formation first, and then, at the possibilities of building alliances across our various borders.

To find more information about this conference, please visit IAAB's website

Please note that registration is limited.