Migrants are often presented as a ‘problem’ to be fixed through restrictive and technologically advanced border regimes, and criminalised through surveillance and public discourse online. But technology can also give migrants the chance to advocate for change and foster solidarity. This workshop will explore current developments at the intersection of technology, borders and human mobility to understand the processes and implications of bordering at the micro-, meso- and macro-level.
Migration has always been presented as a contested issue, especially so in particular political discourses. This has led to stricter immigration and border regimes that often racialize migrants, while presenting them as a ‘problem’ to be fixed through restrictive and technologically advanced border regimes. Rapid technological developments have transformed processes of bordering and created an integrated border management ecosystem. Opaqueness of technological systems and their operation translates into unclear and dangerous implications regarding the human rights and liberties of people on the move.
Borders today are not merely physical barriers; rather they are complex constructs that manifest in physical, symbolic, and virtual spaces. Technology is utilised in the shaping of migration pathways and facilitating surveillance practises and the criminalisation of migrants. This occurs both within systemic frameworks and in public discourse, particularly through platforms like social media, providing a fertile ground for the rise of extremist ideologies, both across the physical and digital spaces. Technology, however, can also act as a platform for resistance, providing opportunities for migrants to advocate for change and foster solidarity. The interplay of different forms (physical-geographical, temporal, symbolic-media, virtual) and various scales of bordering processes (international, regional, local, everyday etc) exacerbate exclusion, halts mobility (for some, while facilitates it for others) as part of racial capitalism and colonial systems.
This workshop aims to explore current developments in the intersection of technology, borders, and human mobility to provide macro-meso-microlevel understandings of the processes and implications of bordering across levels and scales. Exploring these issues through the lenses of technological advancements provides an original and innovative take on this very important topic. Understanding and addressing the dual role of technology is vital if we seek to dismantle systemic injustices while fostering inclusive and equitable societies. This is why, we invite participants to engage in discussions that explore the following themes:
INVITED SPEAKERS
Dr Evgenia Iliadou, Independent Researcher
ORGANISERS
Dr Venetia Evergeti, Sociology, University of Surrey
Dr Maria-Nerina Boursinou, Sociology, University of Surrey
Dr Christina Verousi, Department of Social Sciences, Northumbria University
Deadline to submit poster image (successful candidates only): 28 April 2025
Poster Requirements:
If you have any questions, please contact Silfana Nasri or Nerina Boursinou.