Research summary
Forced and voluntary migration shape global politics, economies and human rights, yet many of the most pressing issues remain poorly understood. As Canada Research Chair in Global Migration, Dr. Randall Hansen is providing insights into both historical patterns of migration (such as the history of forced migration after World War II) and modern crises.
He and his research team are exploring how global economic shifts since the 1970s have created a structural dependence on cheap labour, fuelling both irregular migration and labour trafficking. They are also investigating the political consequences of migration, particularly how refugee crises contribute to far-right populism and policy challenges. By producing historical analyses, policy recommendations and global migration frameworks, their work will help policy-makers develop more humane and effective migration policies. Ultimately, this will help democratic societies to balance border control with human rights protections.