Immediate Threats Posed by Irregular Migration and Their Implications for National Security in the Context of Changing International Concepts (Libya as a Case Study)

Abstract

This paper aims to achieve a number of objectives, the most important of which are to monitor and analyse the phenomenon of irregular migration, its interconnections and overlaps with similar concepts, and its implications for national security. This is achieved by highlighting the concept, motivations, causes and negative consequences of the phenomenon of irregular migration; examining the relationship between irregular migration and criminal activities; and assessing its implications for Libyan national security, through an understanding and interpretation of the mechanisms of migration and an analysis of the key theoretical concepts that have addressed population movements. Based on the research problem, objectives and research questions, the fundamental premise of this paper is the hypothesis that irregular migration constitutes a direct danger and threat to Libyan national security and state sovereignty. To understand the phenomenon more accurately and in greater depth, and to analyse its causes, effects and ways of addressing it, we have employed a descriptive-analytical approach to describe the phenomenon of migration and the factors contributing to its emergence, and its resulting consequences, and to analyse and interpret their implications through the information and academic material gathered, in addition to employing a historical approach to trace the evolution of the migration phenomenon over time. The study also drew upon the theory of comprehensive security to understand and analyse the issues and problems facing human societies in the field of security. One of the most important conclusions reached by the study is that Libya cannot tackle the influx of migrants on its own; regional cooperation and the strengthening of mechanisms to combat migrant smuggling networks, in collaboration with neighbouring countries and the international community, are the way to address the phenomenon of irregular migration, as part of consolidating Libyan national security. It is likely that Libya will transform from a transit country into a destination country for migrants, given external plans and efforts to resettle migrants on Libyan soil.