Back

Migration, Development, and Power Asymmetries - Perspectives from Africa and Europe

December 19, 2024
Related topics: 
International Relations
International Cooperation
Europe
Africa

This episode examines the contrasting approaches to migration governance between Africa and Europe, where over 70% of African migration occurs within the continent, emphasizing regional integration and development, while European strategies prioritize externalization, border security, and containment. These differing priorities reflect deeper asymmetries in global power dynamics and migration narratives. Featuring insights from Alan Hirsch (Research Fellow, New South Institute) and Ivan Martin (Senior Fellow, Policy Center for the New South), and moderated by Imane Lahrich (Head of Research Valorization, Policy Center for the New South), the discussion explores not only the global migration narratives, but also the role of regional institutions, and pathways to reconcile Africa’s development-driven approach with Europe’s security-centered policies.

RELATED CONTENT

  • Africafé : China’s African Playbook: Rethinking Presence and Partnership
    April 2, 2026
    In this episode of Africafé, the discussion explores the evolving dynamics of China–Africa relations, highlighting their strategic, economic, and political dimensions. Featuring Dr. Ana Cristina Alves, the conversation unpacks how this partnership has shifted over time—from resource-dri...
  • AFRICAFE: U.S. Influence in Africa
    March 5, 2026
    This episode of Africafé explores the evolving dynamics of US-Africa relations, tracing their historical shifts from Cold War and War on Terror engagements to today’s focus on trade, investment, and strategic partnerships. Dr. Ian Lesser highlights how Africa’s role in US foreign policy...
  • AFRICAFE: Brazil's relationship with Africa
    February 19, 2026
    This Africafe's episode examines Brazil-Africa relations: historical ties shaped by the slave trade and diaspora, Lula’s trade expansion, and competition with China/EU. It explores South-South diplomacy’s potential to reshape global institutions, the role of “South Atlanticism,” and fut...
  • Reploiement militaire français en Afrique
    Helmut Sorge & Olivier Tramond
    February 13, 2026
    Le général Olivier Tramond analyse la réduction de la présence militaire française en Afrique comme un changement stratégique profond plutôt qu’un renoncement. Au-delà des coups d’État et ...
  • Unlocking the Sahel, Reconfiguring the Western Mediterranean: Morocco’s Atlantic Initiative as an Integration Corridor
    Authors
    Amine Ghoulidi
    Rida Lyammouri
    February 5, 2026
    This Paper was originally published on orient-online.com  The Western Mediterranean’s exposure to the Sahel is usually framed in terms of security spillovers and crisis management. This paper argues that this framing misreads how Sahelian access conditions now shape Mediterranean integration. Morocco’s Atlantic Initiative is a state-led corridor strategy combining Atlantic port infrastructure, inland transit routes, and energy systems to connect landlocked Sahelian economi ...
  • AFRICAFE: Aid and Development in Africa
    January 23, 2026
    This episode of AfriCAFÉ examines how Africa’s development aid landscape is shifting amid major cuts by traditional donors and changing global priorities. Through a discussion with Stephen Klingebiel and Andrew Sumner, it questions whether aid has truly driven development or fostered de...