Bordering mobility: networks in global and regional mobility regulation

The aim of this article is to develop an analytical framework which contributes to the understanding of mobility regulation. While most literature focuses on international efforts to control migration the perspective is widened by looking at mobility, encompassing short-term cross border movements for the purpose of travel and labor. Regulatory modes are specified and described ranging from more binding bi- and multilateral agreements to less binding governmental networks. Little attention has been paid to the latter modes which increasingly define state to state cooperation. Since mobility regulation on the global level is in a nascent stage, regulatory modes are assessed within regional economical integration movements such as the EU and NAFTA. Mobility regulation within the two blocs differs greatly; within the EU framework freedom of movement and establishment has been achieved while travel and labor in the North American context are mostly regulated in the respective national realms. Still, forms of cooperation on mobility have been established in both cases with similar functions: the socialization of officials into trusting each other.