The podcast ‘States and Migration in Europe’ explores migration and Europe’s history in a monthly series, sparking discussions with renowned experts. Episodes dissect European policies, refugee and immigration issues, the EU’s intricacies, and the path to integration. From Brexit to EU dynamics, they offer fresh views on human mobility challenges in this crucial region.
Podcast
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Testimonial
I ‘definitely recommend professionals as well as students to engage in [this podcast’s] discussions on the topics of their interest. It is a wonderful opportunity to listen to the opinions of the participants, on the one hand, and ask critical questions to guest speakers, on the other hand.’ – Ana Gudadze, student at the Vienna School of International Studies
Episodes
June – Rethinking States and Migration in Europe: A Recap of the First 12 Episodes
In this special recap episode of ‘States and Migration in Europe’, Dr Emmanuel Comte engages in an insightful dialogue with Francis Ghilès, a seasoned journalist with a remarkable 50-year-long career. This 13th episode takes the listener on a journey through the diverse terrains of migration affairs in Europe, as explored in the first 12 episodes. Comte and Ghilès delve into the most concerning aspects and trends, connecting them with prospects. In a changing media landscape, the episode also reflects on the role of this series’ format in decentralising information in a digital age.
May – Regulating migration: state failure or impossible task?
In this episode, we grapple with an essential question: Can states regulate migration? We are joined by our esteemed guest, Professor Anna Triandafyllidou, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration at Toronto Metropolitan University. With surging nationalism and populism, anxiety over growing migrant populations is escalating. However, over the past decades, state intervention in migration affairs has been a customary practice. The persistence of migration-related concerns, even in the face of extensive state intervention, invites a challenging query – is this not a testament to states’ failure to regulate migration? Professor Triandafyllidou scrutinizes the motivations behind state regulation of migration and the hurdles that make it a daunting task. She provides insights into the complexities of migration control, often glossed over in public discourse. This episode offers an immersive journey into one of the most contentious debates of our time.
April – How German emigration shaped Hitler’s quest for conquest
Prof. Brendan Simms, author of “Hitler: Only the World Was Enough,” delves into the history of German emigration, from the eighteenth to the early twentieth centuries, and explores how Hitler’s fixation on emigration shaped his geopolitical thinking and, ultimately, his approach to conquest and annexation, including his pursuit of Lebensraum or living space. The conversation investigates the role of German settler expansion in Hitler’s wars, particularly in Poland and Ukraine, the challenges he faced managing migration, and the shortcomings of his approach to migration. The episode is a journey into the interplay between emigration, geopolitics, and the shaping of Hitler’s worldview.
March – The secret lives of Europe’s irregular migrants
In this episode, we delve into the world of irregular migrants in Europe, accompanied by Maurizio Ambrosini, a distinguished expert and Professor of Sociology of Migration at the University of Milan. Our conversation unfolds, addressing the present state of irregular migration, the economic livelihood and living conditions of immigrants, as well as the roles played by immigration policies and researchers in addressing this pressing issue. Don’t miss this exploration into the lives of those who reside in the shadows of society.
February – Unravelling the journey: migration flows to Europe explored
In this episode, we are joined by Professor Heaven Crawley, a leading expert on international migration and refugee issues. We uncover the driving forces and routes of migration to Europe, shedding light on the motivations behind these movements – from conflict and persecution to poverty. As we delve into the challenges and risks migrants endure, we also discuss the public’s demand for information and knowledge while confronting prevailing migration discourse. Furthermore, we investigate the crucial role researchers can play in addressing the demand for understanding.
January – The refugees in the Ukraine War
Dr Emmanuel Comte speaks with Prof. Ivan Katchanovski, a political scientist and expert on conflicts in Ukraine. They discuss the largest movement of population in Europe since the aftermath of World War II: the refugees in the Ukraine War. More than 8 million refugees from Ukraine have been recorded across Europe, and millions have been displaced within the country. The conversation covers the causes of the conflict, push and pull factors for refugee outflows, geopolitical and economic interests, and how this large movement of population has affected foreign relations.
December – Informing about immigration with Por Causa
Dr Emmanuel Comte welcomes Lucila Rodriguez-Alarcón, the director and co-founder of Por Causa, a Madrid-based organization that works to improve the narrative on immigration in Europe and America. They discuss Por Causa’s impactful work, including their study on the industry of migration control in Melilla, Spain, and the organisation’s successful business model. The guest also shares insights on the power of storytelling to drive social change and bring about greater understanding of immigration.
November – Ludwig von Mises and immigration restrictions
Dr Emmanuel Comte welcomes Dr Phillip W. Magness on the views of the economist Ludwig von Mises on immigration restrictions. They discuss recent distortions of Mises’ thoughts on this subject and why they happened. Ludwig von Mises is one of the major figures of the Austrian school of economics. Dr Magness’ article on this subject is available here.
October – Does Salafism lead to jihadism?
Dr Emmanuel Comte welcomes Dr Mohamed-Ali Adraoui, author of the newly published book Understanding Salafism, on the relationship between Salafism and jihadism. They explore the factors that contribute to jihadism and consider the role of cultural conflicts between natives and immigrants. They delve into the discourse against “jihadism” and its impact on the spiral of violence between jihadi groups and those opposing them.
September – Germany’s role in European migration governance
Dr Emmanuel Comte and Alberto Cunha, a PhD candidate at King’s College London, discuss the role of Germany in European migration governance. They review the concept of hegemony and its evolution, explore the current state of the EU’s migration regime, and consider potential scenarios for the future.
August – Immigration, human rights, and politics in the UK
Dr Emmanuel Comte welcomes Dr Alain Zysset, a senior research fellow at the School of Law of the University of Glasgow and currently on leave to conduct research at the PluriCourts Centre of Excellence at the University of Oslo. An expert of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Dr Zysset discusses the recent clash between the British government and the ECHR over the transfer of immigrants to Rwanda. They delve into the principles at stake, the historical context, and the broader implications for immigration policies and the political system in the UK.
July – The state, migration, and elections in France
Dr Emmanuel Comte welcomes Francis Ghilès, a seasoned journalist with 50 years of experience covering topics related to France, the Maghreb, and political institutions. They explore the role of migration in the recent electoral cycle in France, analyse the rise of personal movements, and the concentration of power in the country.
June – Turkey and migration in Europe
Dr Emmanuel Comte and Senem Aydın-Düzgit, a professor of international relations at Sabancı University in Istanbul, delve into Turkey’s role in European migration affairs, including the relationships between the EU and Turkey on immigration issues, and conclude on the broader dynamics shaping migration in Europe.