Politics PGR Research Seminar Series: Presentation by Rebecca Mavin, PhD Candidate in Politics (Security, Conflict and Justice)

Since the 1990's, the number of actors working in the field of migration management in Europe has rapidly grown and diversified. This does not only refer to state actors- such as central governments, local governments, and street-level bureaucrats- whose roles and responsibilities in the management of migration have become increasingly confused and disparate; but also to the growing number of non-state actors involved in managing migration, such as private security companies, civil society organisations, and NGOs. This paper frames the diversification and growth of actors in the terms of New Public Management, suggesting that the management of migration has been increasingly dominated by a 'businesslike' approach, characterized by a focus on costs/expenditures and a demand for increased efficiency- thus rendering the management of migration into a complex 'industry'. Through mapping the types of actors involved in this migration industry, and comparing the specific actors involved in three EU states (Italy, Germany and the UK) we show how- despite the different forms of government and types of actors working in each context- this diffuse and monetised approach to managing migration has led to common structural problems, including a lack of clarity concerning who is responsible and accountable for decisions; a lack of consistency in the implementation of policies; and, often, a lack of consideration of the justice of decision-making and the wellbeing of migrants. We therefore conclude that the current, dominant approach to managing migration in Europe is inherently flawed, on account of both its lack of clear organisation and accountability, and it's inability to adequately meet the needs of migrants.