The Ties That Bind: Immigration and the Global Political Economy

Migration is a complex issue with many factors that cause people to leave their homes and seek a better life elsewhere. Political factors, such as the ability to participate in the political life of a destination, are as important as economic and social factors. Migrants continue to serve as a conduit for information and help drive investment to their homelands, and the relationship between migration and global markets is poorly understood.

Format: Hardback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Migration is a complex and multifaceted issue that has become a central concern in both domestic and global politics. Despite its significance, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the causes, consequences, and relationship between migration and global markets. Migration is a costly and risky endeavor, yet many individuals decide to migrate in search of a better life. The decision to migrate is influenced by a multitude of political, social, economic, and environmental factors.

Political factors play a crucial role in determining why people migrate. The ability to participate in the political life of a destination country is a significant motivator for many migrants. They seek to escape political oppression, violence, or instability in their home countries and hope to find greater political freedoms and opportunities in their new destinations.

Economic factors also play a significant role in migration. Many migrants are driven by the prospect of finding better job opportunities, higher wages, and improved living standards. They may also seek to escape poverty or economic hardship in their home countries and hope to find a better life in a more prosperous region.

Social factors also contribute to migration. Migrants may be seeking to reunite with family members or join communities with shared cultural or religious beliefs. They may also seek to escape social exclusion or discrimination in their home countries and hope to find a more inclusive and welcoming environment in their new destinations.

Environmental factors also play a role in migration. Climate change, natural disasters, and resource scarcity can lead to forced migration as individuals are forced to leave their homes in search of safer and more sustainable environments.

The relationship between migration and global markets is another important aspect to consider. Migration can have both positive and negative impacts on global markets. On the one hand, migration can contribute to economic growth by bringing new skills, labor, and entrepreneurship to destination countries. It can also help to diversify the workforce and reduce labor shortages in certain industries.

On the other hand, migration can also lead to competition for jobs and resources in destination countries, which can have negative impacts on local workers and the economy. It can also contribute to social tensions and cultural clashes as migrants may bring with them their own customs, languages, and beliefs, which may not be fully accepted by the host community.

Despite the complexities and challenges associated with migration, it is important to recognize its potential benefits. Migration can help to promote social and economic development, reduce poverty, and promote cultural exchange and understanding. It can also help to address global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity by bringing new perspectives and ideas to the table.

In conclusion, migration is a complex and multifaceted issue that has significant implications for both domestic and global politics. While the causes and consequences of migration are poorly understood, it is clear that political, social, economic, and environmental factors play a crucial role in determining why people migrate. The relationship between migration and global markets is also important to consider, as migration can have both positive and negative impacts on global economies and societies. By understanding the factors that drive migration and the impacts it has on both source and destination countries, policymakers and individuals can work together to promote safe, orderly, and sustainable migration for the benefit of all.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 236 x 160 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009233224