Refugees in the Cold War: Towards a New International Refugee Regime in the Early Postwar Era.

Abstract

The principles for today's international refugee policies were laid down in the years following World War II, with the creation of the UNHCR and the establishment of an international refugee convention. These years, which were the central phase in the development of a new refugee regime, are the topic. The refugee question is set in an East-West perspective. The rethoric of refugee policies is contrasted with the practical consideration of realpolitik which again makes it possible to understand and explain the principles of today's international refugee policies