Global migration, education, and the nation-state

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the modern era migrations are complex, multi-determined and elude vulgar mechanistic models of causality. Migrations unfold in complex ecologies involving broad features of the state – borders, demography, economy, and society. Furthermore, historical relationships, cultural affinities, political interests, and the environment itself continue to carve the pathways of the great human migrations in the new millennium. In this article, I first introduce the most up-to-date relevant data on global migration and examine the broad features of a conceptual model framing migration in the current era of globalisation. Second, I turn to a new cartography of mass migrations flowing from unchecked climate change, environmental degradation, war, and terror. Finally, I offer a humanitarian reflection on how education must respond to the defining existential crisis of our times.