Double two-level games and international negotiations: making sense of migration governance in EU-Africa relations

This article conceptualises international negotiations between two groups of states as the result double two-level games, whereby negotiating teams negotiate with their counterpart at level while simultaneously engaging constituents respective domestic level, trying to reconcile pressures from both arenas. Furthermore, it points importance contextual and normative explanations problem-solving approaches explain negotiation outcomes. Empirically, sheds light on one most contentious aspects Post-Cotonou Agreement European Union (EU) Organisation African, Caribbean Pacific States (OACPS), thanks exceptional access process subsequent interviews members teams. While EU-OACPS may be dismissed by its critics a relic past, significance provisions migration mobility mark turning point in EU-Africa relations. A detailed mechanism, fact, was agreed upon ensure that African (as well Pacific) readmit unwanted migrants EU without conditionality formalities other than swift identity verification, serious consequences if they fail comply.