The Do-Gooders’ Dilemma: Scandinavian Asylum and Migration Policies in the Aftermath of 2015

Abstract

This chapter analyses and compares regulatory responses to the 2015 ‘European asylum crisis.’ 2015 can be seen as a significant turning point in terms of both intensifying restrictions and changing the internal policy dynamics in this area across the Scandinavian countries. The chapter argues, firstly, that the vast majority of these measures a designed around a common logic focused on making conditions for asylum-seekers and refugees in the Scandinavian countries as unattractive as possible and thereby push asylum-seekers towards other countries and regions. It is secondly argued that this kind of policy-making can be conceptualized as a unique form of negative nation-branding and that, in order to achieve the deterrent effect of these policies, Scandinavian states are prompted to actively advertise new restrictions both in public discourse and through targeted campaigns towards migrants and refugees. The chapter finally discusses whether and to what extent negative nation branding in regard to asylum and migration have international spill-over effects. How do the new and more restrictive domestic policies impact the Scandinavian humanitarian brand internationally? And to what extent can restrictive policies at the domestic levels co-exist with Scandinavian aspirations to continue playing a leading role in regard to international refugee and IDP protection?