Migration, Regional Integration and Human Security: The Formation and Maintenance of Transnational Spaces

This original and timely book is the first to analyze the interconnectedness of migration, regional integration and the new security studies. The authors point to a clash of perceptions between migrants on one side and law-makers and political decision-makers on the other. While migration is by its nature a border-crossing process and transnational migrants have consequently been agents of regionalism if not of globalization, the formulation and implementation of migration policies remain the responsibility of sovereign states, rather than regional or transnational institutions.The book explores the conflict between the actions of transnational migrants and state government policy in a series of theoretical chapters and regional case-studies. The theoretical chapters look at three key facets of the nation-state: population, territory and government, discussing the ways in which migration, regional integration and new security thinking challenge the accepted role and responsibilities of the state. Regional case-studies explore the specific challenges faced in regions including Central America, Asia and the Pacific and Central and Eastern Europe.The book asks crucial questions about the formulation of migration policies, the criteria for success or failure and the consequences of that success of failure. It will be essential reading for students and scholars of migration in sociology, politics and international relations and also for those with professional interests in the area.