With a lingering global refugee crisis that has shaken the western hemisphere the topic of immigration, refuge and how to deal with the challenges accompanying it have been running up and down the news cycle for quite a while now. While migration and seeking asylum as a refugee are two different cases, this development has certainly made it clear to many a people that while the globalization and liberalization of trade have reached an all-time high, the globalization of the movement of people might go along a similar course. Although the desire to regulate migration and the flow of people seems to be almost unanimously accepted as a prerogative of nations, this desire could be faced with a new modus operando where it becomes almost impossible to control – especially from the point of view of democracies adhering to liberal principles.
The question this essay tries to answer is ‘Does irregular migration pose a challenge to the nation-state?’. To answer this question this text will first give a brief overview of the definitions, causes and mechanisms of (im-)migration to better understand the concept of irregular immigration that is at the heart of this analysis. It will then, focusing mainly on a EU perspective, present the concept of irregular immigration and the nation state to then lay out the challenges irregular migration may pose to the nation state. Finally, using a short qualitative analysis it will then be shown which challenges are credible to arise from irregular immigration.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Theoretical Concepts and Definitions
2.1. Migration - Concept and Causes
2.2. Irregular Migration
2.3. Irregular Migration in the Liberal Nation State
2.4. Possible Challenges
3. Irregular Migration in Context
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper investigates whether irregular migration poses a genuine challenge to the sovereignty and stability of the modern liberal nation state. By examining theoretical frameworks and the practical context of migration policies, the author analyzes the tension between state control and the reality of undocumented movement, specifically within the European Union.
- The concept of the "liberal paradox" in migration policy.
- The role of "foggy social structures" in organizing irregular migration.
- Security, economic, and welfare-related challenges for the nation state.
- The discrepancy between political perceptions and the numerical significance of irregular migration.
- Quantitative analysis of irregular migration using the example of Germany.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2. Irregular Migration
While migration is an established part of today’s states, their laws and societies a distinction must be made between regular migration that is happening according to the laws set out by aforementioned states and that which in one way or another occurs outside of those boundaries. While most migration happens in the confines of the laws applicable a “small minority, however, does not conform to the law and migrates, settles or works in deviation from the rules […]” (Düvell 2011, p. 276). These could, thus, be called irregular migrants. According to Düvell (2011) the culprit for irregular migration could either be the state or the migrant. The state on the one hand is the actor setting out the rules that determine which kind of migration is regular or irregular. Migration that once used to be regular only became irregular through laws rendering previously acceptable immigration illegal. Immigrants on the other hand are the actors that make the decision to act against the laws of the state by deciding the manner with which they enter the territory and at what time they do it – with exception of those who are moved across borders against their will by being victims of human trafficking.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The introduction outlines the research question regarding whether irregular migration challenges the nation state and sets the scope for the subsequent analysis.
2. Theoretical Concepts and Definitions: This chapter defines the core concepts of migration, differentiates between regular and irregular movement, and explores the theoretical tension known as the "liberal paradox."
2.1. Migration - Concept and Causes: This section discusses the historical context of human movement and the various push-pull factors that drive migration in a globalized world.
2.2. Irregular Migration: This chapter examines the definitions of irregular migration and the roles played by both the state and the migrants in creating this legal category.
2.3. Irregular Migration in the Liberal Nation State: This section analyzes how liberal democratic states attempt to balance border control with internal rights and political obligations.
2.4. Possible Challenges: This chapter identifies potential security, economic, and political pressures that irregular migration might impose on state structures and welfare systems.
3. Irregular Migration in Context: This chapter applies theoretical assumptions to empirical data, specifically looking at migration numbers in Germany and the EU to test the validity of the perceived challenges.
4. Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes that while irregular migration impacts state sovereignty, the scale is too small to fundamentally alter the international system of nation states.
Keywords
Irregular migration, nation state, sovereignty, liberal paradox, EU migration policy, foggy social structures, asylum seekers, human trafficking, border control, labor market, welfare state, migration research, security, immigration, globalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper explores the multifaceted relationship between irregular migration and the modern liberal nation state, specifically evaluating whether such migration undermines state sovereignty.
What are the central themes discussed in this analysis?
The central themes include the liberal paradox, the distinction between regular and irregular migration, security implications, economic impacts, and the social structures created by irregular migrants.
What is the main research question?
The research question is: "Does irregular migration pose a challenge to the nation-state?"
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The author uses a qualitative analysis approach, integrating theoretical frameworks from political science and migration studies, supplemented by an evaluation of empirical data.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers definitions and causes of migration, the role of liberal principles, internal security and welfare concerns, and the "foggy social structures" developed by migrants.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include irregular migration, sovereignty, liberal paradox, foggy social structures, and border control.
How does the author define the "liberal paradox"?
The liberal paradox describes the tension faced by democratic states between the need to maintain open borders for economic liberalism and the political obligation to restrict migration to uphold national security and internal social rights.
What does the term "foggy social structures" mean in this context?
It refers to the informal and often secret networks and social structures that emerge as irregular migrants compensate for their exclusion from the official political and social sphere.
Does the author conclude that irregular migration is a significant threat?
The author suggests that while there is political significance to irregular migration, its numerical impact is relatively small and insufficient to fundamentally challenge or destabilize the international system of nation states.
- Citar trabajo
- Christian Horch (Autor), 2016, Irregular Migration. A Challenge to the Nation State?, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/450174
