The book "Migrants and Militants" by Alain Badiou critically examines the term "migrant" and its implications. Badiou argues that the term is pejorative and serves to dehumanize individuals moving across borders. He highlights the historical context, noting how the term "migrant" emerged during the late 20th century as a result of capitalist globalization and the dismantling of state monopolies, leading to deindustrialization and the marginalization of working-class populations.
Badiou emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse experiences of individuals who move across borders, including those who are fleeing persecution, seeking economic opportunities, or displaced by conflict. He contrasts the term "migrant" with "worker" and "proletarian," suggesting that the latter terms more accurately describe the systemic conditions that force people to migrate. The book ultimately advocates for a new communist politics that addresses the root causes of migration and upholds the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their origin or status.