Reclaiming Migration: Voices from Europe's 'Migrant Crisis'

Reclaiming migration critically examines the EU's migration policy through the unheard voices of migrants across the Mediterranean. It explores the flawed assumptions and advances justice claims by a team of esteemed scholars.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2021
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Reclaiming Migration is a groundbreaking book that delves into the critical assessment of the European Union's (EU) migration policy, offering a unique perspective by presenting the unheard voices of those affected by the so-called migrant crisis. Through an extensive analysis of a counter-archive of migratory testimonies, co-produced with individuals on the move across the Mediterranean during 2015 and 2016, the book sheds light on the ways in which EU policy developments contribute to the precarity experienced by migrants undertaking perilous journeys.

The book highlights the flawed assumptions underlying the policy agenda, while also exploring the claims and demands for justice advanced by the people on the move. Written collaboratively by a team of esteemed scholars from diverse disciplines, Reclaiming Migration makes a significant contribution to ongoing debates surrounding migration, borders, postcolonialism, and the politics of knowledge production.

The counter-archive of migratory testimonies collected in the book provides a rich source of firsthand accounts and insights, offering a humanizing perspective on the experiences of migrants. These testimonies reveal the challenges, hardships, and risks faced by individuals as they navigate complex migration systems, often seeking safety and a better life in Europe. The book's analysis highlights the ways in which EU policies, such as border control measures, detention policies, and migration management strategies, exacerbate these risks and create conditions that are detrimental to the well-being of migrants.

By documenting the experiences of migrants and challenging the dominant narratives surrounding the migrant crisis, Reclaiming Migration contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the complexities and challenges of migration. It sheds light on the experiences of those who are often marginalized and overlooked in policy discussions, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to migration management.

Furthermore, the book explores the broader political and social implications of EU migration policy. It examines how the policy agenda is shaped by geopolitical interests, economic considerations, and the power dynamics between different actors involved in the migration process. The book raises important questions about the role of the EU in addressing global migration flows, the responsibilities of member states in managing migration, and the impact of migration on host communities and societies.

Reclaiming Migration is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and activists seeking to understand the complexities of migration and advocate for more humane and inclusive policies. It provides a wealth of empirical evidence and analytical insights that challenge the dominant narratives and shed light on the lived experiences of migrants. The book's collaborative approach and multidisciplinary perspective make it accessible to a wide audience, contributing to a more informed and engaged public discourse on migration.

In conclusion, Reclaiming Migration is a groundbreaking work that offers a critical assessment of the EU's migration policy and presents the unheard voices of those affected by the migrant crisis. Through an extensive analysis of migratory testimonies and a multidisciplinary approach, the book challenges the flawed assumptions underlying the policy agenda and explores the claims and demands for justice advanced by people on the move. By documenting the experiences of migrants and raising important questions about the politics of knowledge production, Reclaiming Migration contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the complexities and challenges of migration and advocates for more humane and inclusive policies.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526144836