Not Another Politics Podcast The Surprising Political Consequences Of Emigration?
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Jun 12, 2025 Emily Sellars, a Yale political scientist and author of "Emigration and Collective Action," joins to explore the surprising ramifications of emigration on political engagement. She reveals how the prospect of leaving may actually discourage activism among those who stay behind. Sellars discusses historical examples, like 20th century Mexico, illustrating how emigration can paradoxically weaken community solidarity while influencing democracy. The conversation dives into the complex interplay between individual liberty and collective welfare in shaping political landscapes.
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Emigration Undermines Collective Action
- Emigration reduces people's willingness to invest in collective action at home. It also shifts societal expectations about the likelihood of collective success, impacting everyone.
Volume Matters in Collective Action
- Collective action's success often depends on a large number of participants. Smaller groups are easier for authorities to ignore, making volume crucial for political change.
Migrants May Lose From Exit Options
- Even migrants with exit options may be worse off if emigration weakens local collective action. Their best outcome is local collective success, which may be undermined by exit options.