Democracy by the "Other": How Ethiopian Diaspora Communities in Virginia Engage in Political Participation.

This article examines how the Ethiopian American diaspora in Virginia influenced the 2021 gubernatorial election by voting for Republican Glen Youngkin as a protest against the Democratic Party's perceived mishandling of U.S. foreign policy toward Ethiopia, particularly regarding the conflict involving the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Drawing on social media analysis, interviews, and media sources, the study highlights three main narratives within the community: opposition to what they view as biased U.S. intervention and Western media framing, the strategic use of political participation to make their voices heard, and the complex interplay between their Ethiopian identity and democratic engagement in the U.S. The findings underscore the significant impact diaspora communities can have on domestic elections, shaped by their transnational ties and experiences with homeland conflicts. This case illustrates the broader connection between foreign policy and domestic political dynamics in multicultural societies.