Weaponisation of Migration: Russia, Middle East, and Gaza

Abstract

Migration has been a fundamental part of human history. Depending on the circumstances of the move, International Law defines them as voluntary, involuntary, and internally or externally displaced. As a result of the world’s alteration, a new understanding of migration evolved. Following the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan after 9/11, the Arab Spring, the overthrow of regimes, the civil war in Syria, the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS), and the resulting European Refugee Crisis, the explicit purpose of this chaos became evident. International society has accepted these conflicts as a consequence of politics; other voices are ignored as conspiracies. Western countries have become home to more migrants, while migrant-producing countries have seen their populations decline. Aside from the military and humanitarian pressure that Europe and its allies are facing following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the countries of the former Soviet Union are also experiencing migration issues. Russia, “Big Brother,” remains active in these countries’ policies despite their independence after the USSR collapse. The Middle East has not yet restored its former designation as the “Cradle of Civilisation.” In light of the weaponisation of migration, this chapter analyses patterns and approaches to ongoing conflicts.