Refugee Hosting and Conflict Resolution: Opportunities for Diplomatic Interventions and Buffeting Regional Hegemons

Abstract

This contribution analyzes the role of refugee hosting countries on conflict resolution efforts in countries of origin. Using the international relations theory of hegemony, we argue that refugee hosting presents different opportunities and challenges to host states in furthering national interest. The act of hosting and bringing regional leaders together in their countries confers recognition and legitimacy to the host states role in conflict resolution. The international community involvement through UN agencies and other international nongovernmental organizations creates the need for enhanced security and increases accessibility to refugee hosting areas as well as the involvement of international media. This helps elevate the role of host countries in regional politics and permits them to negotiate resources and logistics for refugee hosting with international communities, humanitarian organizations, and neighboring countries. In conflict resolution, leadership plays a crucial role. Refugees in protracted situations and some of their leaders may save and invest heavily in their host countries. Such investments may contribute to conflict resolutions or prolong conflicts. How host governments regulate and facilitate migrant investment impacts peace settlements. In addition refugee and asylum seekers develop lasting ties with their hosts all the way from ordinary members of the community to national leadership of host countries. These personal relationships create obligations and deference. The host nations and their nationals come to learn the possible economic opportunities in the countries of origin which they aggressively pursue. For example, Kenyan and Ugandan business people were the first to initiate trade and commerce in South Sudan. Finally regional hubs such as Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Kampala assume great prominence in regional diplomacy and efforts that have a bearing on conflict resolution.