Migration has played a central role in constituting Europe and facilitating European integration and identity. Most Europeans have experiences of migration in their own family histories. Yet, across Europe, we see the term “migrant” employed in public discourse as code for “foreigner” standing in opposition to “European.” In recent years, few issues have been more divisive and politicized in European politics than responses to the challenges of migration and refugees.
The Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, housed at the Centre for Europe Studies at Carleton University, is organizing a one-day conference that will illuminate the nexus between migration, identity and politics in Europe. Exploring historical and current cases drawing on disciplinary approaches from history, political science, anthropology, cultural studies, sociology and geography, this event will showcase new perspectives and approaches to European migration studies from international emerging scholars and graduate students.