Balkans and Baltics: On Migration as a Factor of Regional Peripheralization

Abstract

In this paper I propose a critical comparative reflection on migration as a factor of peripheralization processes in the Western Balkan and Baltic regions. In their respective geographical positions, the Western Balkans and the Baltics stand at different ends of the European map: south-east and north-east. Regarding their historical and political positions, however, these are very diverse: the Western Balkans were part of Yugoslavia (except Albania) while the Baltic republics (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) were annexed to the Soviet Union after the Second World War. Currently, two Western Balkan countries -Slovenia and Croatia -are already members of the European Union, as the three Baltic countries are, while the rest of Western Balkans are not. I argue that apart from economic and geographical factors, usually taken into account in describing peripheries and cores, migration processes and discourses powerfully construct some places as dynamically moving towards a 'core' while others remain confined to a 'periphery'. By paying special attention to 'scientific discourses', I aim to broaden our understanding of theories and practices of peripheralization, where migration tends to be under-theorized.

Left behind and left out: Evaluating (dis)connections in the spatially focused migration network of England and Wales

“…Similarly, widespread interest in 'left behind places'—stagnating or declining areas—recently emerged, albeit associated with political discontent due to ongoing stagnation (Ford & Goodwin, 2014). In both instances, migration significantly contributes to the growing inequalities (Leibert & Golinski, 2017; Lulle, 2019). Out‐migration and depopulation occur when declining regions lose residents to thriving regions, particularly younger migrants who offer a higher economic contribution through taxed employment (Heikkilä & Pikkarainen, 2010).…”