It was a great pleasure to participate in the international workshop held in Tbilisi, where I had the opportunity to present my research, “The Role of Media Discourses in Shaping the Perception of Irregular Migrants and Political Responses to Migration.” My presentation focused on how media narratives influence public perception of irregular migrants and, in turn, shape political reactions and migration policies.
As powerful intermediaries between reality and public understanding, the media play a crucial role in framing complex social issues. In the case of irregular migration, the choice of headlines, imagery, and language can significantly influence whether migrants are viewed through lenses of empathy, fear, threat, or solidarity. These narratives often drive political decisions, frequently based on emotional reactions rather than objective analysis.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA) in Tbilisi for their excellent organization of this international workshop. I also deeply appreciate the support of the GLITSS project and COST Action, which are key drivers behind this important initiative, fostering interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration across borders.
Engaging discussions and the exchange of ideas with fellow researchers from diverse backgrounds enriched my work and opened new perspectives. I look forward to continuing this collaboration and exploring future research challenges together.