Migration diplomacy in world politics

Adamson, F. B. and Tsourapas, G. (2019) Migration diplomacy in world politics. International Studies Perspectives, 20(2), pp. 113-128. (doi: 10.1093/isp/eky015)

Abstract

Academic and policy debates on migration and refugee “crises” across the world have yet to engage fully with the importance of cross border population mobility for states' diplomatic strategies. This article sets forth the concept of “migration diplomacy” as an object of analysis for academics and practitioners alike, distinguishing it from other forms of migration-related policies and practices. It draws on realist approaches in international relations to identify how the interests and power of state actors are affected by their position in migration systems, namely the extent to which they are migration-sending, migration-receiving, or transit states. The article then discusses how migration issues connect with other areas of state interest and diplomacy, including security interests, economic interests and issues of identity, soft power, and public diplomacy. Finally, the article suggests the utility of applying a rationalist framework based on states' interests in absolute versus relative gains as a means of examining the bargaining strategies used by states in instances of migration diplomacy.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The authors gratefully acknowledge the support provided by a British Academy/Leverhulme Small Research Grant (SG163246), a Leverhulme Research Fellowship (RF 2015-635), a Council for British Research in the Levant 2017/18 Pilot Study Award, and the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement number 822806.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Tsourapas, Professor Gerasimos
• Authors: Adamson, F. B., and Tsourapas, G.
• Subjects: J Political Science > JA Political science (General); J Political Science > JV Colonies and colonization. Emigration and immigration. International migration; J Political Science > JZ International relations
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
• Journal Name: International Studies Perspectives
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 1528-3585
• ISSN (Online): 1528-3577
• Published Online: 19 December 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 The Authors
• First Published: First published in International Studies Perspectives 20(2): 113-128
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License