Globalization, Global Migration and its impact on a regional level

Table of Content

Introduction
- Globalization and Global Migration

Field Study: The border between Spain and Morocco
- The importance of the border between Spain and Morocco
- What kind of migration takes place and what are the reasons behind it?
- Spain, Emigration and Immigration
- Immigration politics of Spain
- Morocco and Mediterranean Migration

Conclusion
- Conclusion

References
References

Introduction

The world in the 21st century has become increasingly interconnected and interdependent and thus the term globalization is frequently used. In order to understand the concept of globalization, this paper is going to give a short definition. The paper argues that globalization leads to a rise in the number of global migrations. The idea of global migration does have many facets which will be explained briefly. In order to show the impact global migration can have on a regional level, this essay will have the Mediterranean border of Spain and Morocco as its main subject. Here, it will be examined which kind of global migration takes place and how the local authorities deal with it. Further, there will be a glance at other involved parties, such as the European Union, and how theses actors influence the migration politics of the examined area. The paper will finish with a conclusion.

Globalization and Global Migration

Globalization has many different facets and definitions but the one generally accepted it the definition given by Ritzer who sees Globalization as “the study of the world as a whole” (p. 81). This definition is a very broad one, without going into detail of the various strands there are, such as economic, social and political interaction. This differentiating is not always necessary, if one only wants to show that the world has become “one” and that the nation states have to work together in order to survive in this new interactive world. In a globalised world one can more and more detect the phenomenon of global migration. This seems logic, since in an interconnected world the information flow is higher, which makes it easier for individuals to obtain information about different countries. This also leads to a comparison between one’s own situation and the situation of people in other countries. The incentive to move might be due to economic reasons, because the labour market in one’s own country might not hold the same opportunities like another market (Rötzer, F., 2005). This division of labour would also be in accordance of Adam Smith’s concept of the “invisible hand”, according to which the market regulates itself, if it does not experience any restraints. He favoured this liberal approach in his “Wealth of Nations“, because this reallocation of resources would bring the highest profit for all involved parties ( Adam Smith, 1776, p 170 - 210). Another definition of globalization which might hold an explanation for global migration, is the definition of Gidddens who argues that “globalisation can [...] be defined as the intensification of worldwide social relations which link distant localities in such a way that local happenings are shaped by the events occurring many miles away and vice versa” (in Ritzer, p. 85). In this case, global migration might be due to the social bindings one has in another country such as family or friends. Furthermore, the movement to another country might be caused by pure curiosity for a different culture. The migration might also be easier due to the increased social interaction since it is now easier to stay in contact with the ones one leaves behind when moving to a different country. There are many different reasons for the global migration we have been experiencing, but so far this paper only discussed the voluntary movements. One still has to remember that even in our world not everyone is granted the basic human rights. Although the Charter of the United Nations stated already in 1945 that its aim was to secure “economic and social security” for everyone, there are still people who suffer political prosecution, starve or are deprived of their basic human rights (Charter of the United Nations, 1945). Therefore, another strand of global migration is the aspect of irregular migration. The term irregular migration includes various movements, but in general one can define this phenomenon as the movement of “people who enter or remain in a country of which they are not a citizen in breach of national laws“ (Global Commission on International Migration, p. 32). The appearances of this movement are manifold such as human trafficking, unsuccessful asylum seekers and people that circumvented immigration controls. In order to get a clearer picture, what international migration means for localities, the paper is going to examine the influence that global migration has on the Mediterranean area of Spain and Morocco.

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