Claim OwnershipStates and Migration: The Human Movement Podcast
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© Emmanuel Comte, PhD
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This podcast draws on new research to unpack the forces shaping migration flows and the political conflicts surrounding them—from policies and refugee crises to workforce dynamics and integration.
Dr. Comte hosts world-class thinkers, policymakers, and innovators to tackle the big questions of our time: Does mobility drive prosperity or conflicts? How do states manage human movement? What’s next for a world on the move?
Dr. Emmanuel Comte is a historian of human movement who has lived and worked as a researcher in nine countries and global metropoles from San Francisco to Cyprus.
Dr. Comte hosts world-class thinkers, policymakers, and innovators to tackle the big questions of our time: Does mobility drive prosperity or conflicts? How do states manage human movement? What’s next for a world on the move?
Dr. Emmanuel Comte is a historian of human movement who has lived and worked as a researcher in nine countries and global metropoles from San Francisco to Cyprus.
31 Episodes
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Get the enhanced episode transcript here 👉🏻 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-31/.In this interview, former Italian Minister Elena Bonetti breaks down immigration policy in Italy—where migrant women fill vital domestic and eldercare roles but remain trapped in irregular work and legal limbo. Drawing on her experience under the Conte II and Draghi governments, Bonetti, who is currently a leading figure in the Renew Europe group in Parliament, reveals why Italy’s Decreto Flussi is failing, how the Bossi-Fini Law still shapes migrant precarity, and what it would take to shift toward a more effective immigration policy. We discuss care work, demographic trends, the informal economy, and regularization programs.This interview was arranged by Lisa Sottanelli and edited by Andriana Lagoudes. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No 101034403.
Get the enhanced episode transcript here 👉🏻 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-30/.In Cyprus today, migrant workers—many undocumented—form the backbone of its agricultural economy. In this conversation, Emmanuel Comte speaks with Christos Papapetrou, General Secretary of the Pancyprian Farmers’ Union, about how irregular migration, EU border controls, and local labor shortages intersect in the fields and villages of the island. From smuggling routes across the buffer zone to migrants attracted by welfare benefits, the episode exposes how Cyprus’ agriculture increasingly depends on migrant labor. A vital listen on how immigration is reshaping the rural Mediterranean.This interview was arranged and edited by Andriana Lagoudes. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No 101034403.
Get the enhanced episode transcript here 👉🏻 www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-29/.As irregular arrivals test Europe’s southern border, Italy has stepped into a central role in shaping the EU’s migration policy. In this interview, Emmanuel Comte speaks with Maurizio Canfora, Italy’s Vice Minister Plenipotentiary and Director General for European Integration. Canfora offers an insider’s look at how Italy influences the EU Migration Pact, manages partnerships with Tunisia and Libya, and navigates border diplomacy amid rising geopolitical tension. Listeners will gain insight into Italy’s complex balancing act: safeguarding the Schengen zone, supplying its labor market, and curbing irregular migration through strategic cooperation. We explore Italy’s evolving stance on Frontex, the legal limits of maritime border control, and the country’s high-stakes engagement with France, Germany, and the European Commission. For anyone following Mediterranean migration, EU external relations, or the future of free movement in Europe, this episode is essential listening.This interview was arranged by Lisa Sottanelli and edited by Andriana Lagoudes @andrianalagoudes. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No 101034403.
Get the enhanced episode transcript here 👉🏻 www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-28/.Why does the Balkan Route remain a strategic corridor for migrants entering the EU? In this interview, Emmanuel Comte speaks with Donatella Bradić, Senior Program Coordinator at IOM, who reflects on three decades managing migration in the Western Balkans. From the Yugoslav wars to digital smuggling networks and EU border reforms, this episode explores the evolution of the route, the role of the IOM, and the future of EU migration governance. Topics include regional diplomacy, unaccompanied minors, biometric registration, externalization of asylum, and the rise of labor migration in the Balkans.This interview was arranged by Lisa Sottanelli and edited by Andriana Lagoudes. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No 101034403.
Get the enhanced episode transcript here 👉🏻 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-27/.What happens when nearly a million refugees arrive in a city in just eight months? In this interview, Emmanuel Comte speaks with Georgios Kaminis, Athens' mayor during the peak of the 2015 refugee crisis, as he recounts the pressure on housing, public services, and social cohesion. Kaminis shares how he managed an urban humanitarian emergency, from launching Greece’s first refugee camp to coordinating with over 70 NGOs. This episode offers unique insight into European asylum and migration policy, urban migration governance, and leading a city in a crisis.This interview was arranged by Xenia Saratsioti and edited by Andriana Lagoudes. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No 101034403.
Get the enhanced episode transcript here 👉🏻 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-26/.In this interview, Emmanuel Comte sits down with Christos Giannakakis, Vice-President of the New Hellenic Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives (ETHEAS), to discuss the untold story of who keeps Greek agriculture alive. With over 90% of fruit and vegetable harvesting now dependent on foreign labor, this conversation dives into the pressing reality of migrant workers—many undocumented—who underpin the country’s food system. As Greek farmers grapple with labor shortages, Emmanuel and Christos explore how slow bureaucracies, restrictive immigration policies, and rising wages are reshaping the agricultural landscape. From the decline of Albanian labor to the unrealized promise of bilateral deals with Egypt, this episode reveals why Greece—and much of Europe—can no longer ignore the role of immigrant farmworkers. This is essential listening for anyone interested in food security, labor migration, rural economies, and the future of European agriculture.This interview was arranged by Xenia Saratsioti and edited by Andriana Lagoudes. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No 101034403.
Get the enhanced episode transcript here 👉🏻 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-25/.In this episode, Emmanuel Comte interviews Daniel Esdras—former IOM Chief in Greece and interim Migration Minister—on the dramatic shifts in migration policy, crisis management, and human smuggling. Drawing on over three decades of frontline experience, Esdras discusses the Albanian labor influx, the 2015 refugee crisis, Greece’s economic dependencies on undocumented labor, and the moral complexities of human trafficking. This episode delivers rare insights into EU-Turkey migration policy, IOM operations, and the systemic gaps in global migration governance. Essential listening for anyone exploring European border politics, humanitarian crises, or migration reform.This interview was arranged by Xenia Saratsioti and edited by Andriana Lagoudes. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No 101034403.
Get the enhanced episode transcript here 👉🏻 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-24/.What if AI gave you your next job offer—and landed you in another country? In this episode of States and Migration: The Human Movement Podcast, Emmanuel Comte speaks with Casey Marquette, founder of Scout, a groundbreakingAI hiring platform. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is upending traditional hiring systems, expanding access to global talent, and reshaping patterns of migration. From collapsing geographic barriers to bypassing human bias and inefficiency, this episode reveals how AI is driving a new age of labor mobility. The conversation delves into why most job applicants are ghosted—and how AI fixes that; how Scout makes recruiters 160x faster; why AI could become a major driver of international mobility; and whether AI can prevent bias—while facilitating trust.
Get the enhanced episode transcript here 👉🏻 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-23/.When migration collides with geopolitics, Europe finds itself at the centre of global turbulence. In this episode, Emmanuel Comte speaks with European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas to explore how the EU has confronted major migration crises—from the war in Syria and the displacement from Ukraine to high-stakes tensions with Belarus and Turkey. Offering exclusive insights from inside the Commission, Schinas explains the political struggles behind EU migration policy and outlines the ambitions of the new Migration Pact to reshape Europe’s approach for the future. This interview was arranged by Xenia Saratsioti and edited by Andriana Lagoudes. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No 101034403.
Get the enhanced episode transcript here 👉🏻 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-22/.In this episode, Emmanuel Comte speaks with Eleni Mavrou—former Interior Minister of Cyprus and the first female mayor of Nicosia—to examine how migration is governed in a divided EU member state. They discuss the realities of asylum seekers, undeclared labor, housing crises, and religious tensions in the buffer zone city of Nicosia. Mavrou shares unique insights into EU-Cyprus migration policy, the role of the Green Line, and how Cyprus’s exclusion from the Schengen Area complicates its position as a gateway to Europe. With rising pressure on the Eastern Mediterranean route, this testimony sheds light on a critical yet overlooked frontier in European migration governance.This interview was arranged and edited by Andriana Lagoudes. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No 101034403.
Get the enhanced episode transcript here 👉🏻 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-21/.In this episode of States and Migration: The Human Movement Podcast, Emmanuel Comte speaks with Nicos Nouris, former Minister of Interior of Cyprus, to examine the country’s response to the ongoing migration crisis in Cyprus. Nouris provides a firsthand account of how Cyprus has managed irregular migration routes, addressed rising criminal networks, and confronted structural challenges posed by Schengen Area exclusion. The discussion explores the role of the Green Line in Cyprus—a de facto internal EU border—through which the majority of irregular arrivals occur, and considers the broader geopolitical implications of Turkey–EU relations, including alleged settlement strategies and cross-border trafficking. This revealing conversation offers rare insights into how migration, sovereignty, and European integration collide on a divided island at the crossroads of three continents. This interview was arranged and edited by Andriana Lagoudes. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No 101034403.
Get the enhanced episode transcript here 👉🏻 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-20/This episode of States and Migration delves into Discussing Pax Germanica, a new volume that reinterprets European integration through the lens of German influence. Dr. Emmanuel Comte presents the central argument discussed in the book: Germany’s historical legacies and political clout have profoundly shaped the structures of the European Union, particularly its approach to mobility and sovereignty. A highlight is Caroline de Gruyter’s chapter, which draws striking parallels between the Habsburg Empire and today’s EU, underscoring the dangers of geopolitical overreach in both political systems. The episode concludes with a call to rethink European security in light of Europe’s unique historical identity.
Get the enhanced episode transcript here 👉🏻 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-19/
In this episode of States and Migration in Europe, host Dr Emmanuel Comte sits down with Professor Randall Hansen, author of the recent book War, Work, and Want: How the OPEC Oil Crisis Caused Mass Migration and Revolution (OUP, 2023), to unravel the layers of anti-immigration riots in the UK, including the intense unrest of last summer. Through a historical lens, they explore the roots of anti-immigrant sentiments and discuss whether Britain has a unique approach to immigration. Using examples from the past, they also delve into the question of racism—whether it is a cause of these conflicts or a symptom of deeper issues.
In this episode, we sit down with political expert Julien Navarro to dissect the recent French elections. We explore the turning point of 9 June, when Macron called for early elections, we analyse the dynamics between La France Insoumise (France Unbowed, LFI) and the Rassemblement National (National Rally, RN), and we assess the risks and challenges facing France after the elections.
Julien Navarro’s Article in European Union Politics is accessible here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/14651165241257779.
Get the enhanced episode transcript 👉🏻 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-17/
In this episode with Dr Julija Sardelic, a leading voice in Romani studies, we unravel the complexities facing the Roma in Europe – a group caught between its right to free movement and the realities of its marginalisation. From exploring state policies that perpetuate exclusion to confronting the limits of the EU’s freedom of movement, this episode offers a deeper look into Roma experiences. Dr Sardelic’s insights, enriched by personal stories and current trends, challenge us to rethink citizenship, belonging, and the essence of inclusion in Europe. Tune in for a thought-provoking journey that bridges academic expertise with the lived realities of the Roma, sparking a crucial dialogue on rights, identity, and the future of Europe’s most marginalised group.
Get the enhanced episode transcript 👉🏻 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-16/
In this episode of 'States and Migration in Europe,' we delve into European migration law, exploring the pivotal concept of free movement within the European Union. Our guest, Professor Daniel Thym, author of the recent book European Migration Law (Oxford University Press, 2023), unravels the status of this fundamental principle and its implications for both EU citizens and third-country nationals. We navigate through the multifaceted relationship between free movement, migration policies, and the legal dynamics shaping Europe today. Engaging with current events and trends, this discussion enlightens listeners on the critical issues and debates surrounding migration in Europe.
Get the enhanced episode transcript 👉🏻 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-15/
In this episode, we dive into the Greek community’s sway over Australian politics. This conversation with Dr Alexandra Dellios – from the Australian National University – sheds light on how diaspora communities can influence policymaking in their host countries. We uncover the historical and socio-economic motives that propelled Greeks towards Australia post-World War II and the political landscape that awaited them. Through Alexandra’s expert lens, we explore the dynamics that allowed the Greek community to cement itself as a political force in Melbourne. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in migration studies, diaspora politics, and the intricate interactions between immigrants and their adopted homelands. Through personal stories, political analysis, and expert insights, we paint a vivid picture of how diasporas and the state profoundly shape each other.
In this episode we navigate through the past, present, and future of free movement within the European Union, shedding light on the political and economic factors that have shaped this issue. We explore the philosophy and ethics of open borders. Understand the evolution of the EU's free movement policies and learn how this question intersects with the economy, especially jobs and wages. As Brexit continues to send ripples across the Union, we also discuss the mounting challenges to immigration, from cultural concerns to rising nationalist pressures. If you're intrigued by the dynamics of immigration, the welfare state, and the economy, this episode offers an unmissable deep dive.
Get the enhanced episode transcript 👉🏻 here.
In this special recap episode of 'States and Migration in Europe', Dr Emmanuel Comte engages in an insightful dialogue with Francis Ghilès, a seasoned journalist with a remarkable 50-year-long career. This 13th episode takes the listener on a journey through the diverse terrains of migration affairs in Europe, as explored in the first 12 episodes. Comte and Ghilès delve into the most concerning aspects and trends, connecting them with prospects. In a changing media landscape, the episode also reflects on the role of this series’ format in decentralising information in a digital age. Get the enhanced episode transcript 👉 https://www.emmanuel-comte.eu/product/enhanced-transcript-13/
In this episode, we grapple with an essential question: Can states regulate migration? We are joined by our esteemed guest, Professor Anna Triandafyllidou, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration at Toronto Metropolitan University. With surging nationalism and populism, anxiety over growing migrant populations is escalating. However, over the past decades, state intervention in migration affairs has been a customary practice. The persistence of migration-related concerns, even in the face of extensive state intervention, invites a challenging query – is this not a testament to states' failure to regulate migration? Professor Triandafyllidou scrutinizes the motivations behind state regulation of migration and the hurdles that make it a daunting task. She provides insights into the complexities of migration control, often glossed over in public discourse. This episode offers an immersive journey into one of the most contentious debates of our era. Join us for a captivating exploration of the multifaceted dynamics between migration and state power.
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