Unravelling Discursive Approaches to the Relationship Between

Migration and Security

Durdona I. Madaminova

, Hilola I. Mustapova

and Barno S. Suyunova

Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Keywords: Migrant, Securitization, Human Security, Identity, Societal Security.

Abstract: This article is dedicated to the conceptual and theoretical analysis of the relationship between migration and

security. Migration emerged as a security issue in the geopolitical and social-political shifts associated with

‘globalization’. Even though migration is created as a result of multiple influences and becomes an objective

reality, it is justified that it is becoming one of the primary dangers and problems within the governmental

safety system of the states.

1 INTRODUCTION

Currently, various complications arise in the

interconnection of national, regional, and

international socio-economic and political situations,

which have a great impact on the growth rates of

migration processes. Migration processes in the

Middle East Arab countries in particular appear as a

negative factor of regional security. Paying special

attention to the issue of migration aimed at the

security and stability of these countries is one of the

urgent tasks needed today. While studies related to

migration and its effect on the economic security of

states, it is appropriate to recognize that a large

number of studies have been implicated regarding the

assessment of migration through the prism of

security.

2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The object of the research is conceptual and

theoretical components of migration in the

interrelationship of migration and security. The tasks

of the agencies responsible for the analysis of the

categories of migration and security and finding out

the relationship between these categories. 'Human

security' as a concept and the issue related to the

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personal security of migrants within it are studied

separately. Systematic analysis, comparison, and

generalization methods were used in the research.

3 RESULTS

In this research, priority is given to a more civilized

approach in studying migration as a security threat.

The analyses show that to be able to improve the

efficiency of the migration management system and

ensure the national security of states, an integrated

approach to solving the migration problem is

necessary. As part of the issue of migration

securitization, it was determined that there is a threat

to a certain object by a political actor, and it was

explained that emergency political measures should

be taken to eliminate it.

4 DISCUSSIONS

In recent years, there has been a particular focus on

studying and analysing migration processes in both

domestic and international contexts. This includes a

specific emphasis on illegal migration concerning

international stability and national security (Ahmed,

2017 – Buzan, 1983). In the current landscape of

1298

Madaminova, D., Mustapova, H. and Suyunova, B.

Unravelling Discursive Approaches to the Relationship Between Migration and Security.

DOI: 10.5220/0012965300003882

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 2nd Pamir Transboundary Conference for Sustainable Societies (PAMIR-2 2023), pages 1298-1301

ISBN: 978-989-758-723-8

global relations, with technological modernization

and globalization accelerating, the need for effective

methods to protect national interests, ensure security,

and enhance competitiveness is growing. Princeton

scholar D. A. Baldwin connects security definitions

to two key aspects: facilitating rational policy

examination through easily evaluable security

measures and fostering scientific communication by

bridging divergent opinions (Ahmed, 2017 – Buzan,

1983).

While recognizing the connection between

migration and security, Egyptian researcher Nazli

Shukri introduces doubt into this relationship. Shukri

sees interaction, security, and migration as inherently

transient concepts, leading to a complex and

problematic relationship (Ahmed, 2017 – Buzan,

1983). A group of researchers suggests a two-way

connection between migration and security. On one

hand, considering the security of societies and

countries affected by migration flows, and on the

other hand, examining migrants' security (Ahmed,

2017 – Buzan, 1983).

Political motives, especially political instability,

are identified as a primary reason for emigration in

some countries. The global refugee situation is often

at the heart of political dynamics, with many seeking

political refugee status within host nations. This,

according to some perspectives, is where the

implications of migration for security, at both

national and individual levels, begin.

The events of September 11, 2001, along with

non-democratic regimes and the activities of

immigrants with non-democratic ideas in Western

countries, have prompted a broader understanding,

assessment, and analysis of security issues in Western

studies. Notably, non-state actors and networks are

recognized as significant threats, expanding the scope

of security research. Researchers like B. Buzan

emphasize the importance of studying potential

threats from both individuals and social groups, as

well as states (Ahmed, 2017 – Buzan, 1983).

English researchers J. Huysmans and V. Squires

propose a dual analysis of the relationship between

migration and security, emphasizing the complexity

and multifaceted nature of this connection. They

argue that security can be studied within the realm of

migration and vice versa. The current situation

highlights the contradictory nature of migration and

security concepts, suggesting various practices with

different foundations (Huysmans et al., 2009 –

Kucherenko, 2009).

Some analysts assert that illegal migration poses a

threat to national security. However, researcher

Khalid Kozer argues that existing views lack solid

research on how immigrants actually pose a threat to

national security (Huysmans et al., 2009 –

Kucherenko, 2009). Since the events of 9/11,

securing existing processes has become even more

critical. American scientist Patrick J. Buchanan

suggests a moratorium on immigration, abandoning

amnesty for illegal immigrants, and strengthening

laws to address existing mistakes.

Myron Weiner, another American scientist,

discusses how international migration poses a danger

to state security and citizens, emphasizing the

interconnectedness of security problems between

sending and receiving countries. Weiner predicts that

uncontrolled mass migration, causing violence in host

countries, will transform into a security threat[8].

Anna Kissinger advocates a stricter immigration

policy based on perceived risks to cultural identity,

demographic stability, social security, and social

security systems, although the evidence for these

claims is questioned (Huysmans et al., 2009 –

Kucherenko, 2009).

Russian scientist A. Kucherenko identifies several

risks migrants pose to host countries' security,

categorizing them into three groups. These risks

include changes in the ethnocultural composition of

recipient countries, illegal migration as a significant

security threat, and occasional mass terrorist attacks

by migrants based on nationalist sentiments and

ethnic conflicts (Huysmans et al., 2009 –

Kucherenko, 2009).

Migration's role in the security agenda has been

widely discussed, with increased attention since the

end of the Cold War. Researchers like Barry Buzan

and Ole Wever from the Copenhagen Institute for

Peace Research argue for a broader understanding of

security, moving beyond traditional military threats.

They propose the concept of "migration

securitization" to highlight new threats related to

social, economic, and climate change (Huysmans et

al., 2009 – Kucherenko, 2009). Securitization

involves identifying a threat and proposing urgent

political measures to eliminate it, leading to

emergency actions outside regular political

procedures (Ahmed, 2017 - Huntington, 1993).

The Center for Conflict Studies in Paris,

represented by researchers A. Ceyhan and A.

Tsukalalar, analyzes the securitization of migration

and identifies four axes: socio-economic,

securitarian, identarian, and political. The negative

impact on social relations in society is prioritized

within the migration-security relationship, especially

concerning cultural differences (Ahmed, 2017 -

Huntington, 1993). The views of American scholar S.

Huntington, who emphasizes a civilizational

Unravelling Discursive Approaches to the Relationship Between Migration and Security

1299

approach, are highlighted, discussing conflicts arising

from cultural differences between migrants and host

societies. The rise of right-wing movements against

immigrants and concerns about the connection

between Muslim immigrants and terrorism are noted

(Ahmed, 2017 - Huntington, 1993).

Issues related to "public security" are introduced

as a concept in Western studies, particularly by the

Copenhagen School of Security. It emphasizes

protecting the identity of society in the face of

potential dangers. However, this concept faces

criticisms related to the definition of society,

uncertainties in defining "uniqueness," and

insufficient consideration of individual significance

(Ahmed, 2017 - Huntington, 1993). Alternative

concepts, like the one proposed by Dede Bigot and

Scandinavian scholars, address these shortcomings

by focusing on protecting vital societal functions and

preventing crisis spread (Ahmed, 2017 - Huntington,

1993).

The concept of "human security" gains

prominence in understanding the relationship

between migration and security, particularly

concerning migrants' personal security. The United

Nations Development Programme's Human

Development Report 1994 defines human security

dimensions, including economic, food, health,

environmental, personal, public, and political

security. This concept highlights the need for

effective public administration and preventive

diplomacy to prevent and regulate illegal and

uncontrolled mass migration, especially in unstable

and crisis countries (Ahmed, 2017 - Huntington,

1993).

The safety of migrants is investigated within the

framework of human security, considering aspects

such as economic, food, health, environmental,

personal, public, and political security. The United

Nations Development Programme's Human

Development Report 1994 played a pivotal role in

conceptualizing human security and its connection to

crucial security components. The concept emphasizes

the importance of social justice for national security

and imposes additional responsibility on states. J.

Estevens advocates for a migrant-cantered approach

within the concept of human security, stressing the

need for coordination among donor, transit, and

recipient countries to combat crime and human

trafficking and establish safe and legal routes for

migrants. He points out the inadequacy of current

state policies in considering the migrant factor in

ensuring citizens' security[28]. The rising activity of

ultra-right movements, global criminal networks

involved in human trafficking, and the alarming

number of migrant deaths underscore the importance

of investigating migrants' safety through the lens of

human security (Ahmed, 2017 - Huntington, 1993).

5 CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, in the 21st century, within the context

of globalization, the strengthening of

interdependence between states has paved the way for

active cooperation between nations and peoples. This

underscores the significant influx of migration flows

into developed countries. While migration is

influenced by various factors and has become an

objective reality, it has emerged as a key risk and

problem in the national security systems of countries.

Consequently, the relationship between migration

and security has become a focal point of numerous

studies, with considerable attention devoted to

understanding the nature of migration as a security

threat. From this, several conclusions can be drawn:

Firstly, despite the relative success of the

Copenhagen School of Security in researching the

connection between migration and security, a clear,

consistent, and comprehensive theoretical framework

for the migration/security relationship has not been

fully developed.

Secondly, there is a preference for a more

civilised approach in studying migration as a security

threat. Contemporary issues between developed

societies and immigrants, arising against the

backdrop of a civilizational gap, attract public

attention.

Thirdly, global instability, various forms of

separatism, and the escalation of terrorist activities

contribute to migrant phobia in different societies.

Presently, there is a growing societal tendency to

involve governments more extensively in the

securitization of migration.

Fourthly, urgent attention is needed to ensure the

individual safety of migrants within the framework of

scientific and applied research in the context of

human security. Research in this direction (a migrant-

centric approach) is actively progressing. When

determining the interdependence of migration and

security and assessing the scale of its threats, it is

advisable to conduct a study within the format:

sending country - migrant-receiving country.

Fifthly, migration cannot be fully assessed as a

security threat because the existing approach is one-

sided and cannot be deemed the correct approach.

Security threats are mainly associated with illegal and

mass migration. Analyses indicate that to enhance the

efficiency of the migration management system and

PAMIR-2 2023 - The Second Pamir Transboundary Conference for Sustainable Societies- | PAMIR

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ensure the national security of states, an integrated

approach to solving the migration problem is

necessary. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a robust

system and legal framework for the state regulation

of migration.

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