Skip to main content
KBS_Icon_questionmark link-ico

Political Economy of International Migration

Key information

  • Module code:

    7AAON010

  • Level:

    7

  • Semester:

      Spring

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

The theoretical aim of the module is, first, to understand the problem of migration, both legal and illegal, in the context of globalisation; and, second, to assess the relation between globalisation, marginalisation and the EU response to threats of mass immigration from less developed countries. The Unit therefore focuses on the following theoretical questions:

  • How is the process of globalisation related to the increase of migratory flows from less developed countries to Western ones?
  • What are the main political and economic causes and consequences of migration, in general, and illegal migration, in particular?
  • Is there tension between legal and illegal migration?

Assessment details

One 3,000 word essay (100%)

Teaching pattern

1-hour weekly lecture and 1-hour weekly seminar

Indicative Teaching Schedule:

Week 1: Introduction: the political economy of international migration
Week 2: Migration in theory: The state of the debate or the State in the debate
Week 3: The globalisation thesis within the globalisation debate
Week 4: The paradox of Fortress Europe
Week 5: Illegal migration into the EU modalities and main routes
Week 6: Globalisation and regionalisation: The lack of integration of the MENA area
Week 7: Globalisation and marginalisation: Migration from the MENA after the Arab Spring
Week 8: What does the Muslim migrant do in receiving countries?
Week 9: Islamophobia and Social Capital
Week 10: The profits of illegal migration: money laundering

Note that this teaching schedule is indicative and subject to change.

Suggested reading list

  • Textbook : L.S.Talani, (2014), European Political Economy: Theories and Issues, Ashgate
  • Textbook : L.S.Talani, (2014), The Arab Spring in the Global Political Economy, Palgrave
  • Textbook: L.S.Talani and McMahon, S., (ed) (2015), Handbook on the international Political Economy of Migration, Edward Elgar
  • Textbook: L.S.Talani (2010), From Egypt to Europe, I.B.Tauris

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.