Human (In)security and Irregular Migration: The Atlantic Basin

This chapter addresses irregular migration in the Atlantic Basin from the perspective of human security in a time of rising nationalism and increasing separation between us (nationals) and them (non-nationals). Human security allows a new understanding over the securitization of irregular migration. Nevertheless, after analysing and comparing security strategic documents from ten countries, the national security paradigm still prevails over the human security one. Without a strong state commitment to human security, states cannot be accountable for it and therefore human security may end up being just a dream of international institutions.