The Role of Think Tanks in Times of (Migration) Crisis: A Transatlantic Perspective
As European policymakers and publics continue to grapple with the migration crisis, this conversation offers an opportunity to reflect on the role and responsibility of experts in these politically sensitive debates.
On both sides of the Atlantic, think tanks occupy a crucial position in informing and influencing policy ideas and decisions in a range of areas, including migration. Yet, paradoxically, as migration has become a more politically freighted topic on both national and EU agendas, migration policymaking is being pushed further under wraps, often emerging only as polished soundbites in political leaders' public addresses. The result is an uncertain and episodic platform for external expertise, evidence, and critical analysis to guide the debate. Unlike other policy domains, migration policymaking can have life or death consequences, and long-term irreversible effects that transform the social fabric of communities across the globe. With the upcoming European Commission's State of the Union address potentially foreshadowing key shifts in migration policy, it is a crucial time to critically reflect on the role, responsibility, and accountability of external experts in these politically sensitive debates. Are think tanks influencers, informers, advocates, or part of the problem?
Speakers:
Andrew Selee, President, Migration Policy Institute, and author of What Should Think Tanks Do? A Strategic Guide to Policy Impact
Corinna Horst, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of Brussels Office, German Marshall Fund of the United States, and President, Brussels Chapter of Women in International Security
Raoul Ueberecken, Director, Home Affairs, Directorate-General D Justice and Home Affairs, Council of the European Union General Secretariat
Moderators:
Tom Nuttall, Charlemagne columnist, The Economist
Commentators:
Opening remarks: Elizabeth Collett, Director, Migration Policy Institute Europe
Closing remarks: Demetrios G. Papademetriou, Senior Fellow, MPI, and President, MPI Europe
About the Moving Europe Beyond Crisis Project
As the systems designed to process migration flows to Europe buckled in 2015-16, this project offered new ideas to manage mixed flows and create sustainable long-term solutions for refugees.
About the Global Program
The Global Program bridges policy advice, research, and candid dialogue to design effective migration policies, drawing on global evidence and anticipating the forces reshaping how people move.
