Political dynamics and outcomes around the globe have been trans- formed by globalization, new patterns of human mobility, and the devel- opment of innovative transnational social networks. These new political processes are rooted in communities and networks that are not restricted by geographic location. Although politics has been delinked from territory in this way with regard to processes and actors, this does not mean that transnational politics focuses exclusively on universal issues or global approaches to social justice. Rather much of the new transnational politics is intensely focused on specific locations, identi- ties, and issues (for example, ‘‘globalized’’ neighborhood associations, ethnicities, patrimonialism). Transnational politics also includes new conceptions and practices of citizenship and accountability (for exam- ple, legislative seats reserved for expatriate labor migrants) as the body politic becomes increasing mobile, political affinities delinked from geographic proximity, and critical constituencies reside outside of the territory of the state. This article outlines a new approach to investigat- ing the actors and processes at the heart of contemporary transnational politics, with a particular focus on the ways in which diasporas are stra- tegically constructed and mobilized to advance political goals through the use of salient symbols, identity frames, and social networks.