The Spirit of Cartagena: Ecuadorian Immigration and Asylum Policy under Rafael Correa, 2007-2017

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the immigration and asylum policies of Ecuador during the presidency of Rafael Correa 2007-2017. Latin America has been neglected in the field of migration studies but the ongoing mass migration on the continent means that it warrants further study. Using official statements and press releases from the Ecuadorian Ministry of External Relations and Human Mobility, it applies two strands of neo-institutionalist theory, rational choice institutionalism and international institutionalism, to understand and account for the instability of immigration and asylum policymaking during this period. Considering international and domestic institutions and their impact on immigration and asylum policymaking during Correa’s presidency, this thesis argues that international institutions were too weak to determine national immigration and asylum policy. Instead, the structure of domestic institutions ensured that power was contained within the executive branch which implemented policies based on the principle of reciprocity and bilateral relations with migrant producing and receiving states.