Rethinking externalization of migration governance in Europe-Africa relations : future research directions in a changing geopolitical landscape
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0197-9183; 1747-7379
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International migration review, 2025, OnlineFirst
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BISONG, Amanda Busa, Rethinking externalization of migration governance in Europe-Africa relations : future research directions in a changing geopolitical landscape, International migration review, 2025, OnlineFirst - https://hdl.handle.net/1814/94287
Abstract
This commentary explores the complex and often overlooked consequences of the European Union's (EU) migration externalization agenda, both within the EU and in its cooperation with third countries. Externalization is frequently presented as a pragmatic tool to manage migration and alleviate pressure on the EU's internal systems. However, it has introduced ripple effects within the EU, manifesting in policy fragmentation, legal tensions, institutional overstretch, and political contestation. The commentary reflects on six articles comprising the special issue on “The rippling effects of European migration governance in Africa. The articles analyze how externalization policies reshape power relations, reinforce authoritarian practices, and intersect with historical tensions, particularly in border regions, contributing to unintended consequences on the ground. The commentary also reflects critically on the broader research landscape, highlighting the urgent need for more inclusive and collaborative knowledge production. It argues that current research structures limit equitable partnerships and the ability to generate grounded, context-sensitive insights. In light of shifting geopolitical dynamics and growing influence of alternative global actors, the article calls for future research that interrogates the normative and institutional transformations driven by externalization.
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Published online: 29 December 2025