Multidimensional Transformation in Global Migration
Prof. Dr. Dilek Latif, a faculty member at the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Cyprus International University (CIU), evaluated the increasing global migration mobility within the framework of changing international security dynamics, climate change, and economic inequalities. Latif emphasized that global migration cannot be considered merely as the movement of individuals; rather, wars, regional conflicts, income inequality, and environmental crises have transformed migration into a multidimensional structural phenomenon.
Drawing attention to the fact that migration movements today are more complex and multi-causal compared to previous periods, Latif stated that the strengthening of human trafficking networks, increasingly risky migration routes, and the rise in climate-induced displacement have made the process more fragile in terms of international security. She noted that the pressure of climate change on agricultural areas, water resources, and living conditions has made the phenomenon of “environmental migration” more visible.
Latif also pointed out that current trends indicate global migration mobility is likely to increase in the coming years. She stressed that border-security-focused approaches alone will not be sufficient in migration governance; instead, developing holistic and sustainable policies centered on human security is of critical importance for global stability.
1. Within what general framework should global migration mobility be evaluated in today’s world?
Global migration mobility should be assessed as a result of economic, political, social, and environmental dimensions, as well as changing international security dynamics. In a globalized world, the nature of conflicts, the climate crisis, and unequal development have transformed migration into a continuous and transnational phenomenon. In this context, migration is not merely a movement of people, but a multilayered process directly linked to states’ border security, social integration policies, economic sustainability, and regional stability.
2. What are the main global dynamics driving the recent increase in migration movements?
Income inequality, wars, armed conflicts, weak state structures, environmental problems stemming from climate change, and struggles over international energy resources are among the main dynamics shaping and increasing migration movements. Additionally, the rise in climate-related disasters threatens agricultural lands and living conditions, giving rise to a new category referred to as “environmental migrants.”
3. What distinguishes today’s migration movements from migration waves in previous periods?
Before the modern era, migration generally occurred due to wars, climatic conditions, and epidemics. With the Industrial Revolution, the World Wars, the Cold War period, and globalization, migration became increasingly linked to socio-economic and political developments. The main feature distinguishing contemporary migration is its complex and multi-causal nature. Today, migration is shaped not only by economic reasons but also by security concerns, environmental threats, human rights violations, and uncertainty about the future. Furthermore, the strengthening of human trafficking networks and increasingly dangerous migration routes have made the process more fragile in terms of international security.
4. How do economic, environmental, and demographic factors shape individuals’ decisions to migrate?
Economic factors play a decisive role in migration decisions due to their potential to offer better living conditions and employment opportunities. Environmental factors often lead to forced migration. Drought, water scarcity, and natural disasters may compel individuals to leave their regions. From a demographic perspective, in countries with large young populations but limited employment opportunities, migration is often seen as a significant outlet.
5. How can current trends in global migration routes be explained?
Global migration routes are largely shaped by movement from economically and politically unstable regions toward safer and more prosperous countries. Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in regional migration movements. Migrants tend to move primarily toward geographically closer and more accessible countries.
6. How is the relationship between migration and international security addressed in academic studies?
In academic literature, migration was long treated primarily as a humanitarian issue. However, in recent years it has increasingly been evaluated from an international security perspective in the context of terrorism, border security, and social stability. This approach highlights that migration has not only social and economic dimensions but also it has a security dimension.
7. In light of current trends, what assessments stand out regarding the future of global migration mobility?
Current trends suggest that global migration mobility is likely to increase in the coming years. Ongoing conflicts, income inequality, and the deepening impacts of climate change may trigger new waves of migration. In this context, how migration is managed emerges as a fundamental policy issue. Rather than focusing solely on state and border security, developing a holistic global migration strategy centered on human security will be of great importance for global stability.