This paper introduces the concept of “visual governance,” a framework for understanding how governance is enacted through visual representations such as photos, videos, and maps. It highlights the growing influence of visuals in migration governance, particularly in the digital era, where platforms like social media amplify their reach and impact. Visuals have evolved from mere tools to central agents that communicate, legitimize, or contest power structures, policies, and practices. Given the pivotal role of images in today’s communicative sphere and the transformative effects of digital technologies and social media on the governance landscape, this paper proposes a framework to theorize the role of images in migration governance. This framework incorporates all layers of governance—not only policies, practices, and regulations but also representations, recognizing their integral role in shaping governance dynamics. The proposed approach is grounded in the understanding that the relationship between the visual communication sphere and governance is inherently iterative, with visuals and governance influencing one another in a dynamic interplay. Moreover, the framework includes all relevant actors involved in migration governance, spanning macro-level institutions, meso-level organizations, and micro-level individuals. By acknowledging the diverse range of actors and their varying capacities, it reflects the shifting power dynamics facilitated by digital platforms, where even individuals can significantly shape visual narratives. This conceptual model provides a comprehensive lens to analyze how images influence public perceptions, policymaking, and governance practices, advancing our understanding of migration governance in the digital age.
Alice Massari (Wed,) studied this question.