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Trends in African Migration to Europe: Drivers Beyond Economic Motivations

Author

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  • José-Manuel Giménez-Gómez
  • Yabibal M. Walle
  • Yitagesu Zewdu Zergawu

Abstract

The current migration and refugee crisis in Europe requires an understanding of the different migration drivers beyond the well-known economic determinants. In this article, we view migration from a broader human security perspective and analyze the determinants of regular and asylum seeker migration flows from Africa to Europe for the period 1990 to 2014. Our results show that, in addition to economic determinants, a combination of push and pull factors influences migration decisions of individuals. In particular, rising political persecution, human rights violations, ethnic tensions, political instability, and civil conflicts in African source countries are all significantly associated with increased migration flows into European destination countries. Therefore, our results underscore the need for the European Union and European countries to collaborate with the source countries, not only in terms of supporting economic development in the source countries but also in promoting human security: human rights, democracy, peace, and social stability.

Suggested Citation

  • José-Manuel Giménez-Gómez & Yabibal M. Walle & Yitagesu Zewdu Zergawu, 2019. "Trends in African Migration to Europe: Drivers Beyond Economic Motivations," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 63(8), pages 1797-1831, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:63:y:2019:i:8:p:1797-1831
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002718823907
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    Cited by:

    1. Theranda Beqiri & Adriatik Hoxha, 2022. "Propensity of Youth to Migrate: Evidence from Kosovo," Economic Studies journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 6, pages 120-132.
    2. Lee, Kangoh, 2025. "Women, immigration attitudes, and immigration policies in Europe: EU immigrants vs non-EU immigrants," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 132-150.
    3. Giovanni Ferri & Roshan Borsato, 2018. "Urbanization And International Migration From Africa," CERBE Working Papers wpC29, CERBE Center for Relationship Banking and Economics.
    4. Heidland Tobias, 2025. "Zehn Jahre „Wir schaffen das“: Lehren aus und über Migrationsforschung," Wirtschaftsdienst, Sciendo, vol. 105(9), pages 628-631.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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