ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explains the gamut from intra-European migrations of the early modern period. It also explains the transatlantic slave trade to the great migrations of the late 19th century to newer flows within Asia and between Asia and the Middle East. The book examines the national models that scholars have commonly used to analyse state approaches to integration and citizenship. It elaborates on a key theme that emerges very clearly in the historical overview the role of migrants in the global economy and in national labour markets. The book attempts to disentangle the relationship between migration and 'development' a term that signifies 'modernization' and economic growth in post-colonial contexts. It focuses on refugee flows and the particular political issues that have surrounded the movement of people in response to civil conflict and political.
