Politics of Migration

Managing migration is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, one that is destined to increase in importance as climate change, conflict, and economic inequality continue to drive people across borders. This graduate-level course offers an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge research on the causes and consequences of migration, engaging with key questions central to today’s political debates: Are most migrants poor? Do restrictive policies deter migration? Are immigrants beneficial or harmful to host economies? When do migrant inflows trigger natives’ hostility and political backlash? Our discussion will be grounded in actual migration episodes (Syria, Bangladesh, East Africa, France, the US, and the Pacific Islands), and we will evaluate theories and common beliefs through a scientific lens. 

The course is divided into two main sections. The first focuses on the political economy of migration in sending countries, examining why people migrate, who migrates, and how migration impacts communities of origin. Topics will include climate migration and the socioeconomic effects of displacement. The second section explores migration in destination countries, addressing pull factors, integration, public opinion, and natives’ reactions to migrants, including hate crimes and political backlash. While anchored in a political economy framework, the course also touches on human rights, conflict-related displacement, and human trafficking, providing a comprehensive view of both developed and developing contexts.