Debates on migration are highly polarised in Europe. Such divisions manifest themselves in debates about migration policy and the broader societal implications of welcoming migrants. In this sense, Europe has seen a rising tide of anti-immigrant rhetoric that frames migration in existential terms as a question of national identity. Perceptions of cultural distance – such as differences in religion or lifestyle – are thus crucial in either accepting or rejecting migrants. Political and public discourses often frame migration as a challenge linked to issues such as ‘border closures’, ‘illegal immigration’, ‘cultural threats’ and ‘labour market concerns’. By analysing the language and framing techniques used in political and public discourse, it is possible to uncover the underlying priorities and ideologies that shape discussions on this pressing issue. Advanced analytical techniques can be used to achieve these aims. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) is used to identify key themes in political and public discourse, exploring issues such as economic impacts, environmental challenges and national security concerns. While BERT models are also used to analyse the relationship between migration and broader ideological factors, including religion, nationalism and cultural patriotism. This nuanced approach reveals subtle biases and ideological positions embedded in policy discussions, providing a comprehensive understanding of how migration is debated and prioritised. This webinar aims to shed light on political and social debates about migration and how religion, nationalism and patriotism can influence these narratives.
Date and time of webinar: June 13, 2025, 2:45 PM-3:30 PM (CET).
Presenter: Dr. Alessandro Indelicato, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Moderator: Dr. Evelyn Reuter, University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Germany.
Zoom link:
- https://unibw.zoom-x.de/j/67249096347?pwd=sJyZuqyovtY7dli6DgkSHXnSA5QR1Q.1
- Meeting ID: 672 4909 6347
- Passcode: 722277
Language: English.
