The Julio Verissimo Live Show brings you powerful conversations with influential figures shaping global discussions on culture, migration, and identity. In this special episode, we welcome Special Guest – Dragana Otašević – International Migration Policy Expert, Migration Researcher & Advocate for the Montenegrin Diaspora for the Montenegrin diaspora in Latin America.
🌎 Who is Dragana Otašević?
A distinguished figure in international relations and migration research, Dragana has devoted her career to understanding and strengthening the ties between Montenegro and its global diaspora. As the Executive Director of the Center for Migration Policies and Multiculturalism, she has led groundbreaking research on Montenegrin communities across Latin America, particularly in Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile and Mexico.
With a deep academic and practical background in international migration policies, cultural integration, and diplomacy, Dragana’s work sheds light on the stories of identity, belonging, and the challenges faced by migrants and their descendants worldwide. Her mission is to bridge cultural divides and create opportunities for Montenegrin communities to reconnect with their heritage while fostering cooperation between Montenegro and Latin American nations.
Photos: Dragana Otaševića activities within the framework of diplomatic visits of delegations of the Government of Montenegro to the diaspora in Argentina and activities in Government groups for improving cooperation with the diaspora. Photo: Ministry of Diaspora
Dragana Otašević is a distinguished researcher and executive director of the Center for Migration Policies and Multiculturalism in Podgorica, Montenegro. Her academic journey began with undergraduate and specialist studies at the Faculty of Business Management in Bar. She furthered her education by obtaining a master’s degree in international politics and economics from the University of San Andrés in Buenos Aires, focusing on the identity of Montenegrin diaspora in Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru, as well as their relations to their homeland.
Otašević’s dedication to understanding and preserving the identity of descendents of Montenegrin emigrants in Latin America is evident through her extensive research. She has spent almost ten years immersed in Montenegrin communities across Argentina, conducting studies on their migration patterns, identity preservation and their relations wit country of origin-Montenegro. Her work has been instrumental in highlighting the strong ties these communities maintain with Montenegro, even generations after emigration.
Her latest academic research on the topic “Challenges in cooperation with the diaspora. The case of the Montenegrin diaspora in Latin America. Policies and programs. 2018-2024. Recommendations for future cooperation 2025-2029. within which she researched the cooperation between Montenegro and its diaspora in Latin America resulted in recommendations for the long-term improvement of this cooperation, for the Government of Montenegro. As part of this research, she received a master’s degree from the Institute for Migration and Asylum Policies – National University Tres de Febrero in Buenos Aires, in the study program Policies and Management of International Migration.
In addition to her research, Otašević has been an active participant in various forums and presentations. Notably, she presented her findings at the forum “Montenegrin Emigrants in Latin America – Identity and Their Relationships with the Country of Origin,” organized by Matica Crnogorska in Bar, National Library of Montenegro “Đurđe Crnojević”, and University of Montenegro. Her insights shed light on the experiences of Montenegrin descendants in South America and their enduring connection to their ancestral land.
Otašević’s contributions extend beyond academia. She is a co-founder of the Montenegrin-Argentine Foundation and has served as a representative for the Organization of Montenegrin Students Abroad in Argentina.She worked as a researcher at the Center for Latin American Migration Studies-CEMLA in Buenos Aires.
Her scientific specialization is the Montenegrin diaspora in Latin America, its cultural and national identity and its relations with the country of origin. Interested in and analyze the foreign policy of Montenegro and its relations with Latin America;
She is academically and professionally specialized in the field of research on international relations, migration, migration management and migration policies, namely:
International politics; international economics; international relations; international migration policies and migration management; migration administration; migration and information; refugees; free movement of persons; migration and identity; diasporas and their relationship with the country of origin; migration and regionalism; migration and multilateralism; migration and human rights; migration and citizenship; migration and development; immigrant communities; immigrant integration; multiculturalism; interculturalism; migration and emergencies; MERCOSUR migration; migration to the EU;
Her dedication to fostering connections between Montenegro and its diaspora has been recognized through various accolades, including national scholarships for excellence from the Montenegrin Ministries of Science and Education, as well as an award for the best master’s thesis at the University of San Andrés in 2018.
Dragana Otašević’s unwavering commitment to her research and her efforts to strengthen ties between Montenegro and its diaspora communities make her a pivotal figure in the fields of migration studies and international relations.
Otasevic also analyzes relations between Montenegro and Latin American countries and constantly works to improve them.
Montenegro, a jewel nestled in the heart of the Balkans, declared independence in 2006 and has since become a beacon of economic growth and development. From its medieval roots to navigating through challenges in the modern era, Montenegro’s commitment to autonomy and stability has been unwavering.
After many years of academic research into the identity of descendants of Montenegrin emigrants in Latin America, migrationologist Dragana Otašević, MA, presented her scientific work in both Argentina and Montenegro. Dragana earned her master's degree for the second time in Argentina and is the only one in Montenegro to have completed the master's program "Policies and Management of International Migrations". Dragana is also the executive director of the Center for Migration Policies and Multiculturalism, the first in Montenegro and the Balkans.
🔥 Key Topics in This Episode:
✅ The Montenegrin Diaspora in Latin America – A deep dive into the history, cultural adaptation, and contributions of Montenegrin emigrants in South America.
✅ Migration Challenges & Opportunities – Insights into global migration policies, free movement, and international collaborations in fostering inclusion.
✅ Bridging Continents: Montenegro & Latin America – How Montenegro is engaging with its diaspora and strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties with Latin American nations.
✅ Real Stories from the Field – Dragana’s firsthand experiences, interviews, and research with Montenegrin families and descendants in Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile and Mexico.
✅ The Role of Identity & Heritage in Migration – The emotional and cultural impact of migration on individuals and communities across generations.
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🗣 Why This Conversation Matters:
In an era where migration is at the center of global discussions, understanding the impact of policies, cultural connections, and personal stories is more important than ever. Dragana Otašević brings a unique perspective, combining research, policy expertise, and personal engagement with migrant communities, making this an unmissable conversation for anyone interested in international relations, cultural identity, and global movements
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