Global migration, education, and the nation-state

In the modern era migrations are complex, multi-determined and elude vulgar mechanistic models of causality. Migrations unfold in complex ecologies involving broad features of the state–borders, demography, economy, and society. Furthermore, historical relationships, cultural affinities, political interests, and the environment itself continue to carve the pathways of the great human migrations in the new millennium. In this article, I first introduce the most up-to-date relevant data on global migration and examine the broad features of a conceptual model framing migration in the current era of globalisation. Second, I turn to a new cartography of mass migrations flowing from unchecked climate change, environmental degradation, war, and terror. Finally, I offer a humanitarian reflection on how education must respond to the defining existential crisis of our times.