This course provides participants with a conceptual framework and analytical tools to address the many aspects of the relationship between international migration and economic and social development.
It emphasises the legal and institutional framework for international migration, examines the governments' changing perceptions about their diasporas, and focuses on different case studies to exemplify how the links among diasporas and their communities of origin (local, regional and/or national) have an impact on the conditions and policies for development. Through the study materials, specialised articles, short research activities, exchange of opinions in discussion forums with diplomats from several countries as well as through an individual research project, participants will develop the skills necessary to research, analyse, and apply concepts; compare the experiences of different countries regarding migration and development; and assess existing models and practices.
Migration and Development is offered through cooperation between the Instituto Matías Romero of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and DiploFoundation. The course is offered simultaneously in English and Spanish.
Course Outline
Unit 1: Migration and Global Governance
-
Migration as a priority issue in the international agenda
-
The limits of international cooperation on migration
-
International institutions dealing with migration
-
The 'new' dialogue on international migration (The GCIM report; UN High Level Dialogue on International Migration ; Global Forum on Migration and Development)
-
Conclusions: challenges for interational cooperation on migration
Unit 2: States, Diasporas, and Development
-
Diasporas as a development agent
-
The diaspora's relationships with the home country
-
The relationship between the sending state and the diaspora
-
The relationship between the host state and the diaspora
-
International agencies/regional organisations mobilising diasporas for development/return migration
-
Conclusions: the different agendas of states and diasporas
Unit 3: Diasporas and Development: Achievements and Challenges
-
Diasporas as development agents. Effects of migration on development and effects of development on migration (remittances: the new 'development mantra'; social remittances; brain drain, brain gain or brain circulation?)
-
Diaspora investments and knowledge transfer networks: Red de Talentos, Globalscot, Armenian, Fundación Chile, India – Diaspora Knowledge Network, Morocco- Banque Al Amal, Philippines – Commission for Filipinos Overseas supports LINKAPIL (link for Philippine Development), KEA – New Zealand
-
Diasporas and philanthropy: Ireland Fund, Conexion Colombia, Hariri Foundation USA, Ayala Foundation USA, American Indian Foundation
-
Diasporas and tourism
-
Diasporas and nostalgia markets
-
Digital diasporas
-
Conclusions: diasporas, a panacea for development?
Unit 4: Conclusions and Final Research Paper
-
Pending issues in the migration/development agenda – policy and research
-
Proposals and recommendations
-
Discussion forum on final research projects