Contemporary migration processes should be regarded as one of the most important components shaping the emerging international order and a significant element of the social reality in many countries. Their impact is visible on the micro scale (at the level of individuals and families), the meso scale (at the level of local communities, societies, and regions), as well as the macro scale (with regard to states, integration groupings such as the European Union, and more broadly – the entire global order). In the 19th century, international migrations took the form of mass movements, becoming a significant and lasting element of international reality. The further increase in the importance of migration as a crucial social, economic, and political phenomenon occurred in the 20th century, which led to this period being labeled the “age of migration.” In the 21st century, migration and diasporas have become among the most prominent topics of social and political debate, often polarizing public opinion. The panel constitutes an interdisciplinary discussion on migration processes and the diasporas that have emerged as a result.
