EVOLUTION OF MIGRATION THEORY IN THE ХІХ-ХХІ CENTURIES

The work is dedicated to studying the evolution of migration theory in the 19th–21st centuries and its impact on shaping contemporary migration policies, as well as forecasting future directions for the development of migration theory. The focus is on the transformation of scientific approaches to defining migration throughout historical development and the emergence of new challenges for humanity's progress. Using historical and interdisciplinary approaches, the study unveils key migration concepts and compares various approaches to interpreting migration processes employed by leading Ukrainian and foreign scholars, facilitating a deeper understanding of migration dynamics in a globalized world. The article explores the essence, nature, primary approaches, and concepts of migration. The authors analyze the reasons behind the transformation of migration theory and examine the influence of economic, political, environmental, social, and cultural factors on migration across different historical periods, from E. Ravenstein’s work in the 19th century to modern theories such as network migration, feminist migration, and ecological displacement. Particular attention is paid to analyzing changes in migration trends under the influence of globalization, transnationalization, feminist approaches to migration studies, and 21st-century environmental challenges. The study addresses contemporary issues in managing migration flows, including the return of Ukrainian citizens after the war and tackling the labor resource deficit. Practical cases of applying migration theories in the migration policies of specific countries are analyzed. The primary challenges driving migration flows in current conditions are characterized, and strategic directions for improving Ukraine's migration policy are identified, taking into account European integration processes and international experience. The authors emphasize the importance of integrating interdisciplinary approaches into the study of migration processes and harmonizing Ukraine's legislative framework with European standards. Based on the research, recommendations are proposed to adapt Ukraine's migration policy to support post-war reconstruction, restore human capital, and ensure sustainable socio-economic development. The study concludes that Ukraine's current migration policy is fragmented and incapable of addressing the challenges it faces today, particularly the return of Ukrainians who migrated between 2022 and 2024 and overcoming labor shortages through migration. These shortcomings adversely affect the country's economic development during the war and post-war recovery. The work offers proposals and recommendations for implementing effective tools and measures to accelerate positive changes in Ukraine's migration policy.