Asian immigration in Spain from the perspective of international relations: a symbiotic relationship

The ever increasing importance given to the study of migration within the field of international relations is not exempt from the powerful influence of other disciplines such as the sociology and anthropology of migration, while at the same time being burdened with ideology, political instrumentalism and relative scientific authenticity. In the context of Spanish foreign relations the issue of Asian immigration must be considered from a more global perspective which takes into account Spanish political maneuvering and the measures taken regarding border controls and clandestine immigration in general, thus enabling an understanding of the philosophy which has influenced Spanish-Asian relations concerning foreign policy vis-a-vis immigration.