Editorial: “Mediterranean thinking” for mapping a Mediterranean migration research agenda

Abstract

The Mediterranean is paradoxically, rarely considered a category of analysis in most Mediterranean migration research. If it were to be taken as a geographical, regional and geo-political area, it could provide migration studies a particular framework of comparison, a much needed structure for the dispersed research currently being carried out. After drawing the main contours of "Mediterranean thinking" in migration studies and defending a postcolonial account against Eurocentric views, I review the main theoretical frameworks for formulating such criticisms. Additionally, I propose how in the coming years we may be able to further develop this Med-Thinking in migration studies. A base from which a Mediterranean migration research agenda could be built with "multiple voices" contributing to Mediterranean regional building. Finally, I place this excursus as main background of the different contributions of this Special Issue.

Mediterranean thinking in migration studies: A methodological regionalism approach

“…This article is a methodological exercise of positionality and reflexivity taking the Mediterranean as a category of analysis. These two epistemic attitudes activate self‐awareness and critical thinking, and it even invites us to be questioned by the substantial ethical question of who benefits from research outcomes (Zapata‐Barrero & Yalaz, 2019). These second‐order rationales are crucial to identify the key features of Med‐Thinking.…”

“…Against this epistemic solipsism, Med‐Thinking seeks to pursue a bottom‐up polycentric view of Mediterranean migration research by learning to widen our current often ‘biased or unilateral’ perspectives, providing a ‘variable focal length’ (see Zapata‐Barrero & Faustini, 2019). It is an epistemological cognitive denunciation on how far national narratives (and EU and European States policies) govern interpretations of the current trans‐Mediterranean population dynamics and governance.…”

The future for Mediterranean wetlands: 50 key issues and 50 important conservation research questions

“…Our horizon scan highlighted perceived deficiencies in the governance of wetlands, at both national and supranational scales, that are likely to continue into the future. Environmental conservation in the Mediterranean is often limited by weak governance [I22], including bureaucratic and compartmentalised political structures, ineffective decision-making mechanisms, inconsistent law enforcement and disagreements between countries (Mansourian 2012;Podimata and Yannopoulos 2016;Zapata-Barrero 2020). Most Mediterranean countries also lack a specific National Wetland Policy [I42] that would help guide effective, efficient and coordinated management (Ramsar Convention Secretariat 2010).…”

How far can we compare? Migration studies, comparative urbanism and the potential of a trans‐Mediterranean perspective

“…Ricard Zapata‐Barrero (2020) has recently called for greater engagement with the Mediterranean as a comparative field that challenges the dominant Eurocentric logic underpinning migration studies. While I share the thrust of Zapata‐Barrero's argument, I also think we need to be alert to the pitfalls associated with certain “critical” assumptions about the Mediterranean if this area is to operate as a generative framework for migration research.…”