At the edge of Europe: The phenomenon of irregular migration from Libya to Italy

The chapter reconstructs in detail the alternative itineraries taken by migrants moving from Africa to Italy. Identifying their shared experiences, it explores the violence and danger faced by irregular migrants, concluding that the relationship between those making and those facilitating the journey is intrinsically asymmetrical. In arguing that the securitisation of Europe's territory is a failing policy, the chapter recommends the adoption of the more flexible response to immigration taken by developing countries in Europe's neighbouring regions.