This dissertation is an attempt to better understand migration-related multilateralism. We have been witnessing a dramatic surge in migration-related multilateral efforts since the end of the Cold War, marking a clear departure from the unilateral and bilateral approaches to international migration which prevailed during most of the post-World War II period. These efforts are largely treated as a natural result of the changes in international migration; therefore, most historical analyses, theories, and empirical studies are dedicated to international migratory movements rather than to the nature and correlates of multilateral efforts concerning them. This dissertation contends that migration-related multilateral efforts are important enough in and of themselves to be the focal point of concern, and complex enough not to be reduced to a mere reaction to international migratory movements. Thus, it explores the relevant history, searches for a better theoretical framework for multilateralism's emergence and growth, and discovers its pattern, geography, and most relevant actors.;The dissertation reveals not only that migration-related multilateralism has been existent in various forms and at various levels since the early 19th century but also that it has been gaining new dimensions. It also underlines the necessity of building a stronger bridge between the IR theories and migration studies. It points out that the regime literature, which may seem a natural theoretical source for migration scholars to understand migration-related multilateral efforts, has rich potential but also serious limitations. Instead, it offers that the IR literature on multilateralism would be more helpful with its theoretical outlook, relative clarity, rich constructivist content, historical narratives and empirical dimension. On the basis of ideas suggested by both the multilateralism and migration literatures, the dissertation suggests we take into account four variables in order to understand the emergence and growth of migration-related multilateralism: Problematization of international migration, Role of power, Self-generating nature of multilateralism, and the Relative performance of unilateral and bilateral tools. Moreover, the dissertation sheds more light on migration-related multilateralism by empirical means. By using a dataset of over 540 multilateral treaties on migration and migration-relevant issues called MATRS-M, I establish that migration-related multilateralism is not a mere reaction to increasing migratory movements; that powerful European states and cities dominate migration-related treaty-making; that migration-related multilateralism has been increasing over time, but with an interesting pattern; that migration-related multilateralism has been increasing in its geographical scope; and that it has become more institutionalized by international organizations over time. The dissertation concludes that these trends will continue, and offers suggestions for future research.
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