Exodus: How Migration Is Changing Our World

In Part 1, Collier dissects the political, economic, and social tensions that shape migration policy. He argues that migration is too often discussed as a moral issue rather than a practical one, leading to policies that are reactionary, inconsistent, and disconnected from real-world outcomes. Instead of treating migration as a natural, self-regulating process, he frames it as a complex and accelerating phenomenon that demands careful management.

Collier sees global migration policies as inconsistent and poorly analyzed. Countries take vastly different approaches, with Japan remaining largely closed to immigration, Dubai relying on a mostly foreign workforce, and Western nations shifting between openness and restriction based on political cycles. He argues that these differences result not from careful policymaking, but from reactive decisions shaped by public sentiment and economic pressure. Some nations actively promote emigration, while others impose strict limits, showing that migration is not simply a movement from poor to rich countries but a process influenced by national interests, economic structures, and historical contexts. His rhetorical question asks whether this variation reflects thoughtful planning or political dysfunction, suggesting that many policies are created without fully considering their long-term impact.

A significant portion of Collier’s argument is dedicated to the role of moral psychology in shaping migration debates, adding to his exploration of The Balance Between Humanitarian Goals and National Interests. Drawing on Jonathan Haidt’s research, he claims that people tend to form moral positions first and then selectively interpret facts to support them. This confirmation bias, he argues, explains why migration is such a polarizing issue: People who are ideologically inclined to support migration dismiss concerns about social strain, while those opposed to migration exaggerate its negative effects. 

Collier specifically critiques liberal intellectual circles, where migration has long been treated as a taboo subject, with skepticism toward open borders often dismissed as racism or xenophobia. When migration is framed in moral terms rather than practical ones, societies prevent themselves from engaging in meaningful policy discussions. He argues that breaking this taboo is essential for crafting policies that balance humanitarian concerns with economic and social realities.

Another critical aspect of Collier’s argument is his analysis of national identity and its relationship to migration policy. He contends that while nationalism has been rightly criticized for fueling war and exclusion, it also plays an important role in maintaining social trust and economic stability. He contrasts countries with strong national identities, such as France and China, with those that struggle with internal divisions, such as Belgium and Canada. His argument suggests that a shared sense of identity makes governance more effective, particularly when it comes to managing migration. However, he acknowledges that nationalism in Europe has a fraught history, which has led many policymakers to favor a postnational vision that downplays national identity in favor of multiculturalism and open borders. Collier challenges this assumption, arguing that while nationalism can be dangerous, abandoning national identity altogether undermines the very institutions that make societies attractive destinations for migrants.

Collier also critiques the failures of political leadership on migration, arguing that mainstream politicians have largely avoided engaging with the issue honestly. He describes how left-wing parties, committed to humanitarian principles, often downplay the social and economic challenges of migration, while right-wing parties campaign on reducing migration but fail to enforce meaningful restrictions. This disconnect, he suggests, has created a vacuum where populist movements exploit public frustration, leading to reactionary policies that fail to address migration’s root causes. He uses Switzerland’s mosque-building referendum as an example of what happens when mainstream politicians ignore public concerns—citizens turn to symbolic policies that reflect their anxieties, rather than structural reforms that address the actual challenges of migration.

Within this broader discussion, The Power of Narratives in Migration Policy becomes a recurring theme. Collier argues that migration debates are often driven by political storytelling rather than data. He demonstrates how different groups construct competing narratives—some portraying migration as an act of courage and resilience, others as a threat to economic and social stability. These narratives shape not only public perception but also policy decisions. For example, he points out that the European Union’s emphasis on free movement has been framed as a triumph of postnationalism, yet this same policy has generated political backlash in multiple countries. Similarly, he examines how anti-immigration rhetoric in Britain has been influenced by historical anxieties, including the legacy of Enoch Powell’s infamous “Rivers of Blood” speech. In Collier’s view, the framing of migration thus shapes policy more than its actual economic and social effects.