DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF MIGRATION POLICY: THEORY AND CONCEPTS

Abstract

This article examines the theoretical and methodological
foundations of the digital transformation of migration policy. The relevance of this
work is determined by the acceleration of digitalization of public administration
and changes in the mechanisms for regulating migration flows in the context of the
global information environment. The purpose of the study is to comprehensively
analyze the key theoretical approaches explaining the transformation of migration
policy under the influence of digital technologies. The methodological basis
consists of systemic, institutional, comparative, and discursive approaches. The
paper considers the concepts of the digital state, e-governance, securitization,
network society, Big Data, and algorithmic governance, as well as the classical
paradigms of international relations — realism and constructivism. It is established
that the digital transformation of migration policy is a multidimensional process
affecting the institutional structure of the state, decision-making technologies, and
forms of interaction between the state and society. It is shown that digitalization
enhances the manageability of migration processes, increases the effectiveness of
administrative procedures, and simultaneously transforms security mechanisms.
A conclusion is drawn regarding the need to integrate various theoretical
approaches to form a holistic understanding of the digitalization of migration
management. The study contributes to the interdisciplinary understanding of how
contemporary states reshape migration governance through the lens of digital
technologies, offering a synthesized theoretical framework applicable to both
academic research and policy analysis