Borders and Belonging

Migration has been a constant feature of human history, shaping societies and cultures for millennia. Far from being a new or unusual phenomenon, people have always moved in search of better opportunities, safety, or resources. From ancient trade routes to modern global networks, migration has played a vital role in economic development, cultural exchange and social transformation. Yet despite its ubiquity, migrants are often scapegoated as the cause of economic and political problems in host states, overshadowing the many contributions that human mobility brings to both sending and receiving countries. Borders & Belonging helps cut through the noise. In each episode, host Maggie Perzyna takes a closer look at the popular discourse surrounding migration and engages with leading experts to provide evidence-based insights.

In Season 1, Maggie debunks some of the biggest myths about migration. We’re proud to say the work received a 2023 Silver Signal Award.

In Season 2, Maggie takes listeners on a world tour, asking questions like “What fuels xenophobia in South Africa?", "Is Japan becoming a migration state?" and “How is technology changing the places where people work and the countries trying to attract them?”

In Season 3, Maggie continues her mission, this time zooming in on the key questions being asked by migration scholars. Can sanctuary cities inspire innovative approaches to migrant and refugee urban integration? How can we put the principle, “nothing about us without us” into practice? And what does it mean to decentre migration research? 

In Season 4 we hear from some of the most influential voices in migration studies, in conversation with the emerging scholars whose work is shaping where the field goes next. Discover the real stories behind the names you’ve cited for years, and the people redefining how we think about migration today.

With the help of leading academics and professionals working with migrants on the ground, Borders & Belonging shares stories from around the world connecting the dots between academic inquiry and real-world impact.

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