Exploring the assemblage of migration: A Deleuzian analysis of Laila Lalami's hope and other dangerous pursuits

Background and Purpose: Migration is a multidimensional phenomenon that extends beyond geographical displacement to encompass socio-economic and ideological transformations. Laila Lalami’s Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits (2005) captures migration’s complexities, reflecting themes of deterritorialization and reterritorialization. Using Deleuze and Guattari’s Assemblage Theory, this study examines how these narratives contribute to broader migration discourses, including those relevant to the Asian context, where transnational movements and postcolonial identities shape socio-cultural landscapes. Methodology: This study employs a qualitative research design, utilizing thematic analysis to explore key passages that illustrate the processes of deterritorialization (disrupting established boundaries) and reterritorialization (reconstructing identity in new contexts). A purposive sampling method was employed to select passages that best represent these themes. The analysis was structured through iterative coding and categorization, enabling the identification of narrative patterns and their alignment with theoretical constructs. The study further examines characters’ identity negotiations and systemic interactions to illuminate the complexities of migration. To ensure analytical rigor, the research process incorporated reflective journaling, peer feedback, and meticulous documentation, fostering transparency and coherence. Findings: Findings highlight how Lalami’s narrative resonates with global migration struggles. Aziz’s economic sacrifices, Faten’s identity adaptation, and Halima’s resilience offer insights into broader issues of displacement and adaptation. This study underscores migration as a personal and structural phenomenon shaped by colonial histories, economic policies, and transnational networks. Contributions: By situating Lalami’s narrative within a broader global migration framework, this research extends Assemblage Theory’s applicability, offering nuanced perspectives on migration as a multifaceted and interconnected phenomenon. Keywords: Assemblage theory, migration, identity, deterritorialization, reterritorialization.