Neither multilevel governance nor battleground. Understanding the politics of immigrant integration in small and medium European localities

Abstract

This article explores the link between migration governance and politics in small and medium-sized localities (SMsLs), asking: what modes of immigrant integration governance emerge in SMsLs?; how are these modes of governance shaped by political factors such as local governments' (LGs) political affiliation, the presence/absence of radical right parties (RPPs) in local councils and the political affiliation of governments at higher levels? To answer these questions, we selected 26 European SMsLs across seven EU countries and applied a mixed-method design combining social network analysis and qualitative content analysis. We find that political dynamics decisively shape integration governance in SMsLs. Centre-left LGs have more frequent and collaborative relations with nonpublic actors, especially when RRPs hold seat in local councils and support regional/national governments. Centre-right LGs usually disengage from integration governance or, when facing strong RRPs, develop strategies to maintain control on issues perceived as highly salient. Vertical relations are either conflictual or absent in all SMsLs.