Expressions of political practice: Collective angst moderates politicized collective identity to predict support for political protest (peaceful or violent) among diaspora group members

In two studies, we examined an ethnic group (Tamil or Somali) at a key point in their history - when violent conflict rages in their homeland that will determine its future. Herein, we focus on the type of political protest supported by diaspora community members (people that play a strategic role in shaping the trajectory of their homeland). Specifically, we test the idea that a politicized collective identity (PCI) will lead to support for political protest to advance ingroup interests at home, but that collective angst (i.e., concern for the ingroup's future vitality) will determine its form. In Study 1, as predicted, Somali Canadians expressed support for the violent political protest of al-Shabaab (a terrorist organization linked to al-Qaeda) only when they possessed a PCI and felt collective angst about Islam. Study 2 replicated the interaction between PCI and collective angst among Tamil Canadians on support for violent political protest. Importantly, we also showed that PCI predicted support for peaceful political protest when collective angst was low. Implications for the politics and collective action supported by diaspora communities are discussed.