Diaspora communities are increasingly recognised as active agents in international cultural relations. Drawing on qualitative research with the Cabo Verdean diaspora in the United Kingdom, this article explores how diasporic associations perform as cultural ambassadors and potential partners in Cabo Verde's cultural diplomacy. Through participant observation, interviews, and analysis of digital and community activities, the study shows how cultural identity and transnational networks enable diasporas from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to operate as non-state actors, mediating between host and home societies. While the diaspora expresses strong affective and symbolic links to Cabo Verde, limited institutional support constrains its contribution to official diplomacy. The article situates this dynamic within Global South and SIDS perspectives on cultural diplomacy, highlighting the challenges small states face in leveraging cultural capital in asymmetric international systems. It argues that inclusive, network-based approaches could transform deterritorialised communities into key instruments of soft power and sustainable cultural development.
Miriam Cruz (2026) studied this question.