Migration and Democracy
Remittances Undermine Clientelism
In a study using data from the 2000-2002 municipal elections in Mexico, researchers found evidence that high levels of international migration boosted the quality of democratic institutions. Researchers discovered that an increase in the proportion of migrant households significantly increased the probability of an opposition party winning the election for the first time instead of the state party. The main reason was because households receiving remittances from migrants were less dependent on government handouts, thus weakening the patronage networks. By highlighting that international migration helped to improve democratic institutions in Mexico, this research identifies indirect methods for increasing democratization in developing countries with large diaspora populations.
For additional information on this topic, check out Migration and Democracy by Escriba-Folch, Meseguer, and Wright.
Labor Migration Can Spread Democratic Norms
Researchers found that emigration strongly affected political preferences and electoral outcomes in Moldova. The study found that after emigration from Moldova increased due to the 1998 Russian financial crisis, Moldovans in communities with high rates of westward labor migration had a significant shift in political views. These shifts included less trust in the then-Communist government and media, skepticism of the state, and lower likelihood of voting for the Communist party. Researchers assert that these shifts in views stemmed from increased communication with those in western democracies and eventually led to the removal of the last ruling Communist government in Europe. This research emphasizes the importance of exposure to new ideas and knowledge spillovers in creating lasting democratic norms in a society.
For more information on this topic, check out this podcast about migration’s potential to topple dictatorships.
Do you have a study we should share for a future Facty Friday? Send an email to drg.el@usaid.gov