PRIO Network

Migration


Coordinator: Cindy Horst

How migration and transnational ties interact with societal change during peace and conflict. Subscribe to our newsletters here.

The Migration Research Group addresses central theoretical aspects of migration and transnationalism, and the ways in which these phenomena are connected with peace and conflict. We seek to understand migration processes, the transnational ties created after migration and their consequences for individuals and societies. The changes caused by migration are interlinked with other forms of social change in conflict, post-conflict and peaceful contexts.

Through our research, we aim to answer questions such as these:

  • Under which conditions do people see migration as a necessity for short-term survival or as a strategy for a better future?
  • How is return migration conceived and experienced by migrants and by the communities to which they return?
  • How do migration patterns affect wartime violence and vice versa?
  • How do displaced communities and warring factions interact during times of violent conflict?
  • How are refugees involved in peace building efforts and post-conflict reconstruction in their countries of origin?
  • In what ways do migrants contribute to ‘development’ in countries of origin and how are these practices motivated and explained?
  • How are remittance-sending and violent conflict related to each other?
  • How is the sending and spending of remittances negotiated between senders and receivers across transnational social fields?
  • How do migrants’ transnational ties interact with their integration in countries of settlement?
  • How does migrants’ identity and citizenship interact to develop a sense of belonging locally and transnationally?

Migration research at PRIO is guided by a commitment to academic excellence. Engaging with the foremost international research on migration and transnationalism also strengthens our ability to provide policy advice. Migration researchers at PRIO seek to be at the forefront of developing research methodology, drawing upon a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Migration and transnationalism are relevant to peace research in a number of ways. Many migration flows are caused by armed conflict, diasporas may play a role in the perpetuation or resolution of conflicts, and finding solutions for refugee populations may be fundamental to establishing a lasting peace.

Migration and migrants’ transnational ties may also be significant for peace and development in societies of origin. In many communities across the world, links with migrants abroad is a main aspect of global connectedness. In societies of settlement too, immigration and transnationalism affect the ways in which peaceful coexistence is possible, and how identity and citizenship are negotiated and experienced.

Furthermore, migration pressures and security concerns have contributed to the militarization of migration control and the erosion of humanitarian principles. Migration research is not only concerned with the people who move but also with those who experience hardship because they are prevented from moving. 

Current Projects

Past Projects

Upcoming Events

Past Events

Peer-reviewed-Journal-Article

Erdal, Marta Bivand (2012) 'A Place to Stay in Pakistan': Why Migrants Build Houses in their Country of Origin , Population, Space and Place 18(5): 629–641.
Carling, Jørgen;Erdal, Marta Bivand; & Horst, Cindy (2012) How does Conflict in Migrants’ Country of Origin Affect Remittance-Sending? Financial Priorities and Transnational Obligations Among Somalis and Pakistanis in Norway , International Migration Review 46(2): 283–309.
Carling, Jørgen;Schmalzbauer, Leah; & Menjívar, Cecilia (2012) Central Themes in the Study of Transnational Parenthood , Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies 38(2): 191–217.
Åkesson, Lisa;Carling, Jørgen; & Drotbohm, Heike (2012) Mobility, Moralities and Motherhood: Navigating the Contingencies of Cape Verdean Lives , Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies 38(2): 237–260.
Carling, Jørgen; & Hernández Carretero, María (2011) Protecting Europe and Protecting Migrants? Strategies for Managing Unauthorised Migration from Africa , British Journal of Politics and International Relations 13(1): 42–58.
Carling, Jørgen; & Åkesson, Lisa (2009) Mobility at the Heart of a Nation: Patterns and Meanings of Cape Verdean Migration , International Migration 47(3): 123–155.
Carling, Jørgen (2008) The Determinants of Migrant Remittances , Oxford Review of Economic Policy 24(3): 582–599.
Carling, Jørgen (2008) The Human Dynamics of Migrant Transnationalism , Ethnic and Racial Studies 31(8): 1452–1477.
Carling, Jørgen (2008) Toward a Demography of Immigrant Communities and Their Transnational Potential , International Migration Review 42(2): 449–475.
Carling, Jørgen (2007) Unauthorized migration from Africa to Spain , International Migration 45(4): 3–37.
Carling, Jørgen (2007) Migration Control and Migrant Fatalities at the Spanish-African Borders , International Migration Review 41(2): 316–343.
Haugen, Heidi Østbø; & Carling, Jørgen (2005) On the Edge of the Chinese Diaspora: The Surge of Baihuo Business in an African City , Ethnic and Racial Studies 28(4): 639–662.
Carling, Jørgen (2005) Fra Nigeria til Europa: Innvandring, menneskesmugling og menneskehandel [From Nigeria to Europe: Immigration, Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons] , Report For the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and the Police .
Carling, Jørgen (2004) Emigration, Return and Development in Cape Verde: The Impact of Closing Borders , Population, Space and Place 10(2): 113–132.
Carling, Jørgen (2003) Cartographies of Cape Verdean transnationalism , Global Networks 3(4): 533–539.
Carling, Jørgen (2002) Migration in the age of involuntary immobility: Theoretical reflections and Cape Verdean experiences , Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies 28(1): 5–42.

Monograph

Harpviken, Kristian Berg (2009) Social Networks and Migration in Wartime Afghanistan. : Palgrave Macmillan. .

Book Chapter

Horst, Cindy(2013) Somali Assistance Networks: the Social Dynamics of Sending Remittances African Migrations: Patterns and Perspectives. : Indiana University Press.
Horst, Cindy(2012) Chapter 2: Vulnerability and Protection: reducing risks and promoting security for forced migrants World Disaster Report 2012. : International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies(46–79).
Horst, Cindy(2012) The Livelihoods Approach Food Security Handbook. : Norwegian Refugee Council.
Carling, Jørgen(2012) Collecting, Analysing and Presenting Migration Histories Handbook of Research Methods In Migration. : Edward Elgar Publishing(137–162).
Carling, Jørgen(2011) The European Paradox of Unwanted Migration A Threat Against Europe? Security, Migration and Integration. : Brussels University Press (VUB)(33–46).
Harpviken, Kristian Berg(2010) The Return of the Refugee Warrior: Migration and Armed Resistance in Herat Beyond the Wild Tribes: Understanding Modern Afghanistan and Its Diaspora. : (121–137).
Carling, Jørgen(2008) Cape Verdeans in the Netherlands Transnational Archipelago. Perspectives on Cape Verdean Migration and Diaspora.. : .
Carling, Jørgen; & Batalha, Luís(2008) Cape Verdean Migration and Diaspora Transnational Archipelago. Perspectives on Cape Verdean Migration and Diaspora. : .
Carling, Jørgen; & Haugen, Heidi Østbø(2008) Mixed Fates of a Popular Minority: Chinese migrants in Cape Verde China Returns to Africa. a Rising Power and a Continent Embrace. : (319–337).
Carling, Jørgen(2008) Interrogating Remittances: Core Questions for Deeper Insight and Better Policies Migration and Development: Perspectives from the South. : (43–64).
Carling, Jørgen(2007) 'Diaspora', 'Immigration', 'Emigration', 'Population', and 'Remittances' Historical Dictionary of the Republic of Cape Verde. : .
Carling, Jørgen(2007) Interrogar a las remesas: perguntas centrales para reflexiones más profundas y políticas más adecuadas [Interrogating remittances: core questions for deeper insight and better policies] Migración Y Desarrollo: Perspectivas Desde El Sur. : (51–73).
Carling, Jørgen(2005) Incorporer certains enseignements des recherches sur la migration dans les politiques des transferts de fonds [Incorporating Insights from Migration Research into Policy on Remittances] Migrations, Transferts De Fonds Et Développement. : OECD(309–316).
Carling, Jørgen(2005) Incorporating Insight from Migration Research into Policy on Remittances Migration, Remittances and Development. : (289–296).

Edited Volume

(2008) Transnational Archipelago. Perspectives on Cape Verdean Migration and Diaspora. : .
Carling, Jørgen (ed.) (2002) Nordic demography: Trends and differentials. : Scandinavian Population Studies.

Non-refereed_Journal_Article

Carling, Jørgen (2007) The Merits and Limitations of Spain's High-Tech Border Control , Migration Information Source .
Carling, Jørgen; & Haugen, Heidi Østbø (2005) Sie wagen und gewinnen. Chinesische Händler in Afrika. [They Dare and Win. Chinese Traders in Africa.] , Der Überblick: Zeitschrift Für Ökumenische Begegnung Und Internationale Zusammenarbeit 41(4): 19–23.
Carling, Jørgen (2005) Trafficking in Women from Nigeria to Europe , Migration Information Source .
Carling, Jørgen (2004) Innvandrere prioriterer å sende penger til familien [Immigrants Give Priority to Sending Money to the Family] , Samfunnsspeilet 18(6): 53–63.
Carling, Jørgen (2004) Transnazionalismo "olandese-capoverdiano". Denaro, culture e parentela [Dutch-Cape Verdean Transnationalism. Cash, Culture and Kinship] , Afriche E Orienti 6186–202.

Popular Article

Horst, Cindy (2012) Finding protection from violent conflict and famine?, Sarvi. Horn of Africa Journal, .
Harpviken, Kristian Berg; & Naftalin, Mark (2012) Conflating Spaces: Syrian Rebels and Refugees in South Turkey, ISN Security Watch, 18 September.
Harpviken, Kristian Berg; & Naftalin, Mark (2012) Militarisering av flyktningene [Militarization amongst refugees], Dagsavisen, 29 August.
Horst, Cindy (2012) En trygg havn? [A safe haven?], Dagbladet, .
Erdal, Marta Bivand;Horst, Cindy;Carling, Jørgen; & Ezzati, Rojan (2010) Bidrar 'her' og 'der' [Contribute 'here' and 'there'], Aftenposten, 8 November.
Nome, Frida Austvoll; & Carling, Jørgen (2005) Hvem er menneskesmuglerne? [Who are the Human Smugglers?], Dagbladet, 1 February.

PRIO Report

Horst, Cindy;Carling, Jørgen;Erdal, Marta Bivand; & Wallacher, Hilde (2007) Legal, Rapid and Reasonably Priced? A Survey of Remittance Services in Norway3. : PRIO.
Carling, Jørgen (2005) Migrant Remittances and Development Cooperation1. : PRIO.

Phd Thesis

Carling, Jørgen (2007) Transnationalism in the Context of Restrictive Immigration Policy. PhD thesis, Department of Sociology and Human Geography, University of Oslo, .
Carling, Jørgen (2001) Aspiration and ability in international migration: Cape Verdean experiences of mobility and immobilityUniversity of Oslo, .

Master Thesis

Hernández Carretero, María (2008) Risk-taking in Unauthorised Migration. MA thesis, Centre for Peace Studies, University of Tromsø, .
Sandbæk, Miriam Latif (2007) “Everybody wants to go abroad.” An ethnographic analysis of migration motivations in Morocco. MA thesis, Department of Anthropology, University of Copenhagen, .

Conference Paper

Carling, Jørgen; & Hernández Carretero, María 2008 Kamikaze Migrants? Understanding and Tackling High-risk Migration from Africa, presented at Narratives of Migration Management and Cooperation with Countries of Origin and Transit, , 18–19 September.
Carling, Jørgen 2004 Unauthorized Entry at Europe’s Southern Borders: Routes, Dynamics and Fatalities, presented at International Migration in Europe: New Trends, New Methods of Analysis, , 25–27 November .
Carling, Jørgen 2004 Policy options for increasing the benefits of remittances, 27 September—1 October.
Carling, Jørgen 2004 Mellom to hjemland [Between Two Homelands], presented at Utlendingsdirektoratets vårkonferanse 2004, , 19 April.

PRIO Policy Brief

Mortensen, Elin Berstad (2013) Why are Zimbabwean migrants ambivalent about return? Insights from the project 'Possibilities and Realities of Return Migration' 1. : PRIO.
Naftalin, Mark; & Harpviken, Kristian Berg (2012) Rebels and Refugees: Syrians in Southern Turkey 10. : PRIO.

PRIO Paper

Carling, Jørgen;Mortensen, Elin Berstad; & Wu, Jennifer (2011) A Systematic Bibliography on Return Migration, PRIO Paper, : Peace Research Institute Oslo.
Horst, Cindy;Carling, Jørgen; & Ezzati, Rojan (2010) Immigration to Norway from Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, India, Morocco and Ukraine, PRIO Paper, : PRIO.
Carling, Jørgen (2008) Policy Challenges Facing Cape Verde in the Areas of Migration and Diaspora Contributions to Development, PRIO Paper, : PRIO.

Report Other

Harpviken, Kristian Berg (2008) From 'Refugee Warriors' to 'Returnee Warriors: Militant Homecoming in Afghanistan and Beyond, Global Migration and Transnational Politics Working Paper , 5. : .
Carling, Jørgen (2007) European Strategies for Reducing 'Unwanted' Immigration, DIIS Brief, : .

Report External Series

Afeef, Karin Fathimath (2009) A Promised Land for Refugees? Asylum and Migration in Israel, EPAU Working Papers [New Issues in Refugee Research], 183. : .
Strand, Arne;Akbari, Arghawan ;Wimpelmann Chaudhary, Torunn;Harpviken, Kristian Berg;Sarwari, Akbar; & Suhrke, Astri (2008) Return in Dignity, Return to What? Review of Voluntary Return Programme to Afghanistan , CMI Report, 6. : CMI.
Carling, Jørgen (2006) Migration, Human Smuggling and Trafficking from Nigeria to Europe, IOM Migration Research Series, 23. : .
Carling, Jørgen (2005) Gender Dimensions of International Migration, Global Migration Perspectives, 35. : .
Carling, Jørgen (2004) Policy Options for Increasing the Benefits of Remittances, COMPAS Working Paper, : .
Strand, Arne;Suhrke, Astri; & Harpviken, Kristian Berg (2004) Afghan Refugees in Iran: From Refugee Emergency to Migration Management, CMI Policy Brief, : CMI/PRIO.
Carling, Jørgen (2001) Aspiration and ability in international migration: Cape Verdean experiences of mobility and immobility, 0, : .

Book Review

Carling, Jørgen(2002) Review of Gender and Migration in Southern Europe: Women on the Move 399–400.