How the G20 should change its approach to migration and development in Africa | Bruegel

Here’s powerful analysis from leading European think-tank, Bruegel. The article suggests that whilst the G20 is redesigning its Africa strategy, migration from Africa is an increasingly controversial topic in European politics, even though total flows are stable. It argues that many hope that economic development in Africa will reduce migration pressures but warns that many African countries are so poor that increased wealth will actually accelerate emigration – by giving people the means to leave. The bottom line will be unpopular with many European voters – the EU should support economic development in Africa, but Europe also needs to realise that migration from Africa is likely to increase in the coming years.

Source: How the G20 should change its approach to migration and development in Africa | Bruegel

Whilst I relate the thrust of the argument, I do not agree with the conclusions. It’s worth reflecting that if Angela Merkel did open the flood doors to migrants, perhaps the UK would not be proceeding to Brexit.

Surely, Europe’s voters just will not accept increased immigration from Africa?

Thoughts?

China says modern-day Silk Road will be ‘project of the century – Sky News

Xi Jinping 习近平

Xi Jinping 习近平 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: People of the Silk Road, Dunhuang, 9t...

English: People of the Silk Road, Dunhuang, 9th century. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A map indicating trading routes used around th...

A map indicating trading routes used around the 1st century CE centred on the Silk Road. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is an interesting article published by Sky News. It reports that China’s Xi Jinping saying the plan to build a modern-day Silk Road will be the start of a new “golden age” of globalisation.

China says modern-day Silk Road will be ‘project of the century

The article hints that China’s ambitious plan will affect many countries and will be many times the size of the post-WWII Marshall Plan. This should be contrasted to Trump’s nationalist policies.

Globalism is alive and well and China looks like the latest champion of global growth.

Thoughts?