Migration in Political Demography: A Review of Evidence

Abstract

This chapter provides a broad review of the literature on migration in political demography to examine both the role of migration in political change and the impact of political systems on migration. The chapter considers migration not only as a critical part of state creation but also as a challenge to states through its transformation of both destinations and origins of population movement. Particular attention is given to urban areas of destination through the political impact of immigration and it goes on to examine the role of diasporas in the spread of political ideas to origins. The importance of macro-level institutional change brought about through flows of migration is examined relative to the impacts that individual migrants can have on both origins and destinations. The chapter concludes by arguing that adopting a more systematic approach to linking political systems with changing patterns of human movement can provide a broader perspective to the migration and development debate.