The politics of migration and nationalism: charting a path to renewed stronger democracies and democratic alliances

The politics of migration and nationalism: charting a path to renewed stronger democracies and democratic alliances

This Ditchley conference will discuss how our democracies can balance the economic and demographic need for immigration with growing concerns about national identity, public services, and political control among voters, and what this means for social cohesion, our economies, and international cooperation. We will bring together thinkers on these issues from across the political spectrum, along with leaders and experts from civil services, business, law, think tanks, academia and civil society from the UK, Europe, North America, and beyond.

Immigration and how to handle it has become a powerful force shaping politics in many industrialised democracies, fuelling the rise of nationalist parties at a moment of profound economic, demographic and geopolitical change. As ageing populations increase the need for migrant labour and talent to maintain a stable workforce, governments face growing public concern about the scale of immigration, pressure on public services, and a wider sense that political systems are no longer delivering for many citizens. Immigration cannot be viewed in isolation: its impact is shaped by differing political economies, policies, and institutions. The rise of nationalist parties reflects not only concerns about immigration, but a broader demand for greater national control, democratic representation and a stronger sense of identity and belonging.

How should democracies balance effective border control and enforcement with fairness and empathy towards migrants and refugees? How can increasingly nationalist democracies construct national identities which are inclusive rather than exclusive? And if protectionism grows, how can Europe and the transatlantic community sustain the cooperation and shared interests on which their economic security and collective defence depend?