Migration Dynamics and Political Development
Summary
International migration is increasingly recognised as a powerful force shaping political institutions, civic engagement and governance patterns across both origin and destination societies. Migrant flows not only redistribute labour and capital but also transmit ideas, norms and practices that influence electoral behaviour, policy reforms and state legitimacy. Economic remittances act as material lifelines and, in some contexts, as substitutes for state-provided welfare, thereby altering incentives for collective action and accountability. In parallel, social remittances—the cross-border exchange of political attitudes and organisational models—can foster demands for democratic reform or reinforce existing power structures depending on the institutional environments encountered by migrants. Return migration further complicates this dynamic by bringing individuals with enhanced political capital and novel frames of reference back to their communities. These interlinked channels can yield contrasting outcomes, from heightened voter turnout and anti-corruption advocacy to tolerance for authoritarian measures in remittance-dependent regions. Appreciating the interplay of economic transfers, social learning and mobility is vital for designing policy frameworks that harness migration’s potential to support robust political development.
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Migration Dynamics and Political Development publication trend
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Technical terms
Remittances: Financial or in-kind transfers sent by migrants to individuals or communities in their country of origin.
Social remittances: The flow of ideas, behaviours and political norms transmitted from migrants to home communities through interpersonal networks.
Return migration: The movement of former migrants back to their country of origin, bringing with them skills, capital and new political perspectives.
Political participation: Citizen involvement in activities such as voting, petitioning, protesting or engaging with media to influence political decision-making.
References
- International remittances and political participation in Ghana. Scientific African (2023).
- International migration as a driver of political and social change: evidence from Morocco. Journal of Population Economics (2019).
- Do Remittances Contribute to Presidential Instability in Latin America?. Latin American Politics and Society (2023).
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