Migration as International Relations

This article examines the transformation of migration from a domestic policy matter to a transnational concern with far-reaching global implications. Drawing on theoretical perspectives, such as realism, liberal institutionalism, constructivism and critical theories, the article explores how migration reshapes power dynamics, challenges traditional notions of sovereignty and influences international cooperation. The analysis highlights key debates in migration–international relations (IR) scholarship, focusing on the securitization of migration, the role of diasporas in diplomacy and the interplay between migration and global governance frameworks, such as the 1951 Refugee Convention and the Global Compact for Migration. By situating migration within historical and contemporary contexts, the article underscores its centrality to evolving international norms and state behaviour. This argues that migration is not merely a movement of people but a politically charged process integral to shaping global political order, requiring interdisciplinary approaches to address its complexities effectively.