Podcast

#31 – Migrant women, care work, and Italy’s broken immigration system: a conversation with Elena Bonetti

In this interview, former Italian Minister Elena Bonetti breaks down immigration policy in Italy—where migrant women fill vital domestic and eldercare roles but remain trapped in irregular work and legal limbo. Drawing on her experience under the Conte II and Draghi governments, Bonetti, who is currently a leading figure in the Renew Europe group in Parliament, reveals why Italy’s Decreto Flussi is failing, how the Bossi-Fini Law still shapes migrant precarity, and what it would take to shift toward a more effective immigration policy. We discuss care work, demographic trends, the informal economy, and regularization programs.

#30 – Irregular workers and the cost of borders: The Pancyprian Farmers Union Speaks Out – with Christos Papapetrou

In Cyprus today, migrant workers—many undocumented—form the backbone of its agricultural economy. In this conversation, Emmanuel Comte speaks with Christos Papapetrou, General Secretary of the Pancyprian Farmers’ Union, about how irregular migration, EU border controls, and local labor shortages intersect in the fields and villages of the island. From smuggling routes across the buffer zone to migrants attracted by welfare benefits, the episode exposes how Cyprus’ agriculture increasingly depends on migrant labor.

#29 – Italy’s migration diplomacy: EU borders, Tunisia deals, and the future of the Schengen system – with Maurizio Canfora

As irregular arrivals test Europe’s southern border, Italy has stepped into a central role in shaping the EU’s migration policy. In this interview, Emmanuel Comte speaks with Maurizio Canfora, Italy’s Vice Minister Plenipotentiary and Director General for European Integration. Canfora offers an insider’s look at how Italy influences the EU Migration Pact, manages partnerships with Tunisia and Libya, and navigates border diplomacy amid rising geopolitical tension. Listeners will gain insight into Italy’s complex balancing act: safeguarding the Schengen zone, supplying its labor market, and curbing irregular migration through strategic cooperation. We explore Italy’s evolving stance on Frontex, the legal limits of maritime border control, and the country’s high-stakes engagement with France, Germany, and the European Commission.

#28 – Inside the Balkan Route: 30 years of migration, smuggling, and EU policy – with Donatella Bradić

Why does the Balkan Route remain a strategic corridor for migrants entering the EU? In this interview, Emmanuel Comte speaks with Donatella Bradić, Senior Program Coordinator at IOM, who reflects on three decades managing migration in the Western Balkans. From the Yugoslav wars to digital smuggling networks and EU border reforms, this episode explores the evolution of the route, the role of the IOM, and the future of EU migration governance. Topics include regional diplomacy, unaccompanied minors, biometric registration, externalization of asylum, and the rise of labor migration in the Balkans.

#27 – When 900,000 refugees arrived: Georgios Kaminis on leading Athens through the 2015 crisis

What happens when nearly a million refugees arrive in a city in just eight months? In this interview, Emmanuel Comte speaks with Georgios Kaminis, Athens’ mayor during the peak of the 2015 refugee crisis, as he recounts the pressure on housing, public services, and social cohesion. Kaminis shares how he managed an urban humanitarian emergency, from launching Greece’s first refugee camp to coordinating with over 70 NGOs. This episode offers unique insight into European asylum and migration policy, urban migration governance, and leading a city in a crisis.

#26 – Bitter harvest: Immigrant labor and the future of Greek agriculture – with Christos Giannakakis

In this interview, Emmanuel Comte sits down with Christos Giannakakis, Vice-President of the New Hellenic Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives (ETHEAS), to discuss the untold story of who keeps Greek agriculture alive. With over 90% of fruit and vegetable harvesting now dependent on foreign labor, this conversation dives into the pressing reality of migrant workers—many undocumented—who underpin the country’s food system. As Greek farmers grapple with labor shortages, Emmanuel and Christos explore how slow bureaucracies, restrictive immigration policies, and rising wages are reshaping the agricultural landscape. From the decline of Albanian labor to the unrealized promise of bilateral deals with Egypt, this episode reveals why Greece—and much of Europe—can no longer ignore the role of immigrant farmworkers. This is essential listening for anyone interested in food security, labor migration, rural economies, and the future of European agriculture.

#25 – The rise of smugglers: Daniel Esdras on migration, policy, & survival in Greece

In this episode, Emmanuel Comte interviews Daniel Esdras—former IOM Chief in Greece and interim Migration Minister—on the dramatic shifts in migration policy, crisis management, and human smuggling. Drawing on over three decades of frontline experience, Esdras discusses the Albanian labor influx, the 2015 refugee crisis, Greece’s economic dependencies on undocumented labor, and the moral complexities of human trafficking. This episode delivers rare insights into EU-Turkey migration policy, IOM operations, and the systemic gaps in global migration governance. Essential listening for anyone exploring European border politics, humanitarian crises, or migration reform.

#24 – AI could give you your next job: How AI is changing work and human movement – with Casey Marquette

What if AI gave you your next job offer—and landed you in another country? In this episode of States and Migration: The Human Movement Podcast, Emmanuel Comte speaks with Casey Marquette, founder of Scout, a groundbreaking AI hiring platform. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is upending traditional hiring systems, expanding access to global talent, and reshaping patterns of migration. From collapsing geographic barriers to bypassing human bias and inefficiency, this episode reveals how AI is driving a new age of labor mobility. The conversation delves into why most job applicants are ghosted—and how AI fixes that; how Scout makes recruiters 160x faster; why AI could become a major driver of international mobility; and whether AI can prevent bias—while facilitating trust.

#23 – Europe’s migration crisis: Inside the EU’s struggles and solutions – with Margaritis Schinas

When migration collides with geopolitics, Europe finds itself at the centre of global turbulence. In this episode, Emmanuel Comte speaks with European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas to explore how the EU has confronted major migration crises—from the war in Syria and the displacement from Ukraine to high-stakes tensions with Belarus and Turkey. Offering exclusive insights from inside the Commission, Schinas explains the political struggles behind EU migration policy and outlines the ambitions of the new Migration Pact to reshape Europe’s approach for the future.

#22 – Cyprus on the edge: Migration, conflict, and the EU’s border dilemma – with Eleni Mavrou

In this episode, Emmanuel Comte speaks with Eleni Mavrou—former Interior Minister of Cyprus and the first female mayor of Nicosia—to examine how migration is governed in a divided EU member state. They discuss the realities of asylum seekers, undeclared labor, housing crises, and religious tensions in the buffer zone city of Nicosia. Mavrou shares unique insights into EU-Cyprus migration policy, the role of the Green Line, and how Cyprus’s exclusion from the Schengen Area complicates its position as a gateway to Europe. With rising pressure on the Eastern Mediterranean route, this testimony sheds light on a critical yet overlooked frontier in European migration governance.

#21 – Inside Cyprus: How migration and geopolitics collide on a divided island

Emmanuel Comte speaks with Nicos Nouris, former Minister of Interior of Cyprus, to examine the country’s response to the ongoing migration crisis in Cyprus. Nouris provides a firsthand account of how Cyprus has managed irregular migration routes, addressed rising criminal networks, and confronted structural challenges posed by Schengen Area exclusion. The discussion explores the role of the Green Line in Cyprus—a de facto internal EU border—through which the majority of irregular arrivals occur, and considers the broader geopolitical implications of Turkey–EU relations, including alleged settlement strategies and cross-border trafficking. This revealing conversation offers rare insights into how migration, sovereignty, and European integration collide on a divided island at the crossroads of three continents.

#20 – Pax Germanica and human movement in Europe

This episode of States and Migration delves into Discussing Pax Germanica, a new volume that reinterprets European integration through the lens of German influence. Dr. Emmanuel Comte presents the central argument discussed in the book: Germany’s historical legacies and political clout have profoundly shaped the structures of the European Union, particularly its approach to mobility and sovereignty. A highlight is Caroline de Gruyter’s chapter, which draws striking parallels between the Habsburg Empire and today’s EU, underscoring the dangers of geopolitical overreach in both political systems. The episode concludes with a call to rethink European security in light of Europe’s unique historical identity.

#19 – Understanding anti-immigration riots: A conversation with Randall Hansen

In this episode, host Dr Emmanuel Comte sits down with Professor Randall Hansen, author of the recent book War, Work, and Want: How the OPEC Oil Crisis Caused Mass Migration and Revolution (OUP, 2023), to unravel the layers of anti-immigration riots in the UK, including the intense unrest of last summer. Through a historical lens, they explore the roots of anti-immigrant sentiments and discuss whether Britain has a unique approach to immigration. Using examples from the past, they also delve into the question of racism—whether it is a cause of these conflicts or a symptom of deeper issues.

#18 – Elections in France: A country’s fragmentation

In this episode, we sit down with political expert Julien Navarro to dissect the recent French elections and delve into French politics. We explore the turning point of 9 June, when President Macron called for early elections, analysing the dynamics between La France Insoumise (France Unbowed, LFI) and the Rassemblement National (National Rally, RN). We assess the risks and challenges facing France after the elections. Julien Navarro’s article in European Union Politics is accessible here.

#17 – The Roma in Europe: Between margins and free movement
In this episode with Dr Julija Sardelic, a leading voice in Romani studies, we unravel the complexities facing the Roma in Europe – a group caught between its right to free movement and the realities of its marginalisation. From exploring state policies that perpetuate exclusion to confronting the limits of the EU’s freedom of movement, this episode offers a deeper look into Roma experiences. Dr Sardelic’s insights, enriched by personal stories and current trends, challenge us to rethink citizenship, belonging, and the essence of inclusion in Europe. Tune in for a thought-provoking journey that bridges academic expertise with the lived realities of the Roma, sparking a crucial dialogue on rights, identity, and the future of Europe’s most marginalised group.

#16 – Free movement in European migration law
In this episode, we delve into European migration law, exploring the pivotal concept of free movement within the European Union. Our guest, Professor Daniel Thym, author of the recent book European Migration Law (Oxford University Press, 2023), unravels the status of this fundamental principle and its implications for both EU citizens and third-country nationals. We navigate through the multifaceted relationship between free movement, migration policies, and the legal dynamics shaping Europe today. Engaging with current events and trends, this discussion enlightens listeners on the critical issues and debates surrounding migration in Europe.

#15 – The diaspora and the state: The Greek diaspora in Australia
In this episode, we dive into the Greek community’s sway over Australian politics. This conversation with Dr Alexandra Dellios – from the Australian National University – sheds light on how diaspora communities can influence policymaking in their host countries. We uncover the historical and socio-economic motives that propelled Greeks towards Australia post-World War II and the political landscape that awaited them. Through Alexandra’s expert lens, we explore the dynamics that allowed the Greek community to cement itself as a political force in Melbourne. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in migration studies, diaspora politics, and the intricate interactions between immigrants and their adopted homelands. Through personal stories, political analysis, and expert insights, we paint a vivid picture of how diasporas and the state profoundly shape each other.

#14 – Can free movement survive in Europe?
In this episode we navigate through the past, present, and future of free movement within the European Union, shedding light on the political and economic factors that have shaped this issue. We explore the philosophy and ethics of open borders. Understand the evolution of the EU’s free movement policies and learn how this question intersects with the economy, especially jobs and wages. As Brexit continues to send ripples across the Union, we also discuss the mounting challenges to immigration, from cultural concerns to rising nationalist pressures. If you’re intrigued by the dynamics of immigration, the welfare state, and the economy, this episode offers an unmissable deep dive.

#13 – 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.

#12 – 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.

#11 – 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.

#10 – 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.

#9 – 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.

#8 – 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.

#7 – 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.

#6 – 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.

#5 – 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.

#4 – 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.

#3 – 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.

#2 – 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.

#1 – 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.