President's FORUM. Bethany Lacina | Migration and Nativism

Bethany Lacina | Migration and Nativism

 

President's FORUM. is a series of monthly discussions on timely topics in conflict resolution. All President's FORUM. events are free for ACR-GNY members. Join now!

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Why do descendants of immigrants oppose further immigration? How can people simultaneously support multiculturalism yet resist gentrification? What drives anti-migration sentiment beyond simple xenophobia?

In this month's President's FORUM., Dr. Bethany Lacina will examine the dominant framework for understanding migration politics through the concept of "locals' rights"—the widespread belief that people who are "from" a place have special entitlements there that newcomers do not share. Drawing on her research across multiple continents, Dr. Lacina will explain how pro-local beliefs operate as a distinct force that shapes attitudes toward both domestic and international migration, cutting across political ideologies and cultural contexts in surprising ways.

The discussion will be moderated by ACR-GNY President Nick Pozek.

Bethany Lacina is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Rochester who specializes in the study of conflict and ethnic identities. Her research focuses on conflicts over migration and ethnic territorial autonomy, public support for war, and war costs. She has authored numerous books and articles on these topics. Lacina is currently working on a global comparative study of nativism titled “Strangers and Settlers: Migration and Conflict in a Nativist World,” which examines both political movements against international immigration and activism against internal population.

Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
Time: 12:00 - 1:00pm (Eastern Time)
Cost: ACR-GNY Members attend for free; Non-members attend for $20 (scholarships available)

Location: Virtual via ZOOM

Pre-registration is required.

Contact us with questions at questions@acrgny.org.

This program is supported by ACR-GNY's 365 Sponsor: