Migration Crisis Research Articles

Public spaces in Bologna: mediating social interactions by intercultural placemaking

ABSTRACT This paper examines the role of public spaces in facilitating intercultural interactions among diverse ethnic communities in Bologna, Italy. With over 23.8 million non-EU citizens in the EU and a growing migrant crisis, the need for effective integration strategies has become critical. By employing a combination of behavioural mapping and semi-structured interviews, the study uncovers key spatial attributes that foster meaningful connections and interactions among users. The findings indicate that spatial attributes such as enclosure, safety, and the inclusion of natural elements play a significant role in enhancing social cohesion. The research highlights the importance of semi-enclosed spaces and multifunctional areas that provide privacy and comfort while promoting social engagement. It also proposes design strategies to address the challenges posed by social exclusion and insecurity in public areas, which can hinder interaction. Ultimately, the study aims to inform urban design strategies that support intercultural placemaking, which is essential for improving social integration and community resilience in an increasingly multicultural society.

Evaluation of Brexit and Migration Relation

The United Kingdom has always been distant from the integration process in its relations with the European Union (EU) and has preferred to follow more isolated policies. Even in the membership process, Euroscepticism has always existed in the background. The concept of Euroscepticism started to get stronger with the immigration from Central European countries, especially after the 2004 enlargement, and it reached its highest level with the immigration policies carried out by the EU after the 2015 migration crisis, which led to the Brexit process. This study aims to reveal the effect of immigration policies on the decision to Brexit in the United Kingdom and what kind of immigration policy was carried out by the United Kingdom after Brexit. In this direction, within the scope of this study, first, the EU membership process of the United Kingdom, the relationship between migration movements and the concept of Euro-skepticism, and how immigration arguments are used in the Brexit process will be examined. By examining the UK's regular and irregular migration movements before and after Brexit, we will evaluate how the immigration policies promised in the Brexit campaigns are reflected in the post-Brexit period.

Hybrid War against Russia as a Pattern of Development of Secular Cycles of Hegemony and Its Tooling Backup (рart 2)

The second part of the article proves the inevitability of a marked aggravation of international frictions between superpowers during the transition to a new global cycle of hegemony, which, considering the presence of powerful nuclear weapons, takes on new forms, becoming a hybrid war. The specifi c features of hybrid war are described in detail in comparison with traditional forms of warfare and the reasons behind the fact that modern Russia had to become the main object of hybrid aggression, especially during the intensifi cation of the Russian-Ukrainian confl ict, are explained. The idea is coherently advocated that the main goal of the United States and the NATO alliance headed by it is not so much to infl ict a strategic defeat to our country on the battlefi eld as its economic exhaustion, undermining the fi nancial system to reduce the possibilities of forming a full-fl edged defence budget. Important structural components of the instrumental support of the hybrid war that are recognised as provoking are a population decline and a nationwide migration crisis, as well as deliberate manipulation of prices for exported Russian products.

THE MAIN REQUIREMENTS OF THE UKRAINIAN LABOR MARKET FOR THE TRAINING OF SPECIALISTS WITH HIGHER EDUCATION

Modern society and the labor market in particular recognize the relevance of higher education for two main reasons: professional development and personal growth. Many employers consider a university degree to be an indicator not only of knowledge, but also of the ability to learn, critical thinking, analytical work, adaptation and self-development. Among the main trends currently observed in the labor market in Ukraine, which have a negative impact on the country’s economic processes in general, were economic, migration crises, mobilization, and demographic losses. At the same time, the rapid development of new technologies and digitalization processes in society was dictating their own rather high requirements for the qualifications and competencies of specialists. This was also confirmed by the World Bank's study «Skills for Modern Ukraine» conducted among employers. The study emphasized the changes in employers' demands for modern specialists to possess the latest competencies. For example, such skill as «complex problem solving», which was ranked first in 2015 and 2020, was projected to fall to third place in 2030, giving way to the relatively new skill of «emotional intelligence» (which appeared only in 2020 at 6th place) and the ability to work in a team (a similar skill, «interaction with people», was also ranked 2nd in 2015). It was predicted that by 2030, employers may significantly change the requirements for potential applicants, adding such skills as «quick learning ability», «analytical thinking», «project management», «strategic thinking» and «initiative/change management». The most popular vacancies in the Ukrainian labor market, including remote work, were outlined. The main requirements for specialists in the most popular positions were summarized, among which are: knowledge of English, digital literacy, design and engineering knowledge. It was been established that the training of specialists competitive in the labor market should be based on such basic principles as a high-quality theoretical foundation supported by practical skills, as well as individual, social and general cultural development of the individual.

Resilience in action: Poland's response to the migration crisis caused by the war in Ukraine

AbstractThe subject of the study was the reaction and self‐organization of Polish society to the sudden influx of war refugees from Ukraine after 24 February 2022. The mass response of the Polish society and the provision of aid to approximately 5 million Ukrainian refugees was a phenomenon extensively discussed in various forums. The situation required developing new crisis management mechanisms almost from scratch, as the existing system could not handle the sudden large influx of people. This provided an opportunity to study the mechanisms that prevented a serious humanitarian crisis in border regions. A quantitative and qualitative analysis identified the key factors responsible for the efficiency and resilience of the response. The study used a proprietary index to measure social resilience and supplemented it with in‐depth qualitative research on key crisis response actions. We describe the mechanisms responsible for the system's quick reaction and stabilization. The research revealed diverse forms of self‐organization in Polish society, ranging from informal groups to formal state institutions. This variety enabled flexible adaptation to rapidly changing situations. These initiatives operated independently with different coordination mechanisms, which could not be unified. While the lack of a single coordination mechanism might be seen as a weakness, it allowed for a resilient and comprehensive response on the regional system scale.

Examining the Effective Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Interconnected Crisis of Climate Change and Human Migration

Examining the Effective Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Interconnected Crisis of Climate Change and Human Migration

Dimensions of Myth and Migration in Amitav Ghosh’s -Gun Island

Gun Island combines elements of myth and migration, crafting a narrative that connects the past with the present. The novel reimagines the myth of Manasa Devi and the merchant Chand Sadagar, situating this myth within the modern-day context of global migration and climate change. Deen Datta, the protagonist, and an antiquarian book dealer, sets off on a journey from the Sundarbans to Venice. Throughout this journey, ancient myths echo the current realities, emphasizing the environmental and socio-political factors fueling today’s migration crises. Ghosh draws clear parallels between the mythical quests of the past and the dangerous routes traversed by present-day migrants. The narrative delves into themes of displacement, resilience, and the pursuit of belonging. It presents various characters, including refugees, scholars, and activists, each navigating a world where myth and reality intersect. By intertwining these elements, Ghosh creates a space where characters struggle with their identities and destinies. This merging of myth and reality enriches the story, encouraging readers to consider the impact of narratives in shaping our perception of the world and our role within it. In Gun Island, Ghosh critiques the socio-political forces that drive people from their homes while highlighting the human spirit's enduring strength. The novel underscores the recurring patterns of history and the interconnectedness of human experiences, offering a thought-provoking reflection on the factors that shape human existence.

Migration diplomacy and Greek–Turkish relations: A three‐level game analysis

AbstractMigration diplomacy has become a critical element of contemporary geopolitics, yet its complex dimensions remain underexplored. This article introduces a novel three‐level game framework to examine how foreign policy strategies leverage cross‐border mobility across domestic, bilateral and supranational dimensions. The 2020 Greek–Turkish border crisis serves as a case study to investigate how domestic political imperatives, bilateral disputes and engagement with European institutions shaped the two government' strategies. The study integrates process tracing with diverse multi‐source data – including policy documents, media analysis and stakeholder interviews – to demonstrate how migration crises function as instruments of geopolitical contestation. This framework is also applied to cases, such as Morocco–Spain, Tunisia–EU and Belarus–EU, advancing theoretical and empirical understandings of migration diplomacy. The article provides fresh insights into the interplay between domestic politics, bilateral relations and supranational governance, illustrating how migration diplomacy is both a reflection and a driver of contemporary power dynamics in global geopolitics.

The European Union's Influence on the Organisation of National Healthcare Systems. Navigating the Trends after the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit national healthcare systems on an unprecedented scale. At the same time, European societies are witnessing an ongoing war, growing migration and climate crisis. In order to respond to the global challenges facing national healthcare systems, the European Union (EU) is stepping up its actions to promote resilience of national healthcare systems. This is to ensure adequate availability of healthcare services in times of health crises through numerous actions. Despite limited powers in health, the EU legal system creates a multidimensional order for protection of various health-related interests which touch upon the organisation of the Member States' healthcare systems. This paper navigates the ongoing trends with regard to the EU's health policy and presents the perspective on 'standardisation' of the Member States' healthcare systems.

Barca Nostra: Photography, Tourists, Travel and Refugees

ABSTRACT The relic of the Mediterranean’s deadliest shipwreck, in which around 1000 migrants perished at sea in 2015, was resurrected as an art installation displayed at the 58th Venice Art Biennale titled Barca Nostra (Our Boat), by artist Christoph Büchel in 2019. The shipwreck was placed on a wharf near a café at the festival without an accompanying descriptive text. It was considered disrespectful, as it is a display of a site of tragic Black deaths for white middle-class spectatorial consumption. It served as a site for tourist selfies. It also serves as a memorial and sparks debates about migration and mobility. This paper and accompanying photographic work titled “Uncanny Venezia Vistas” focuses on the aesthetics of the uncanny to examine the controversies around “our boat”, its material history, the political crisis of migration, travel, and the historical/cultural space of Venice as capturing and disrupting the tourist gaze.

Constitutional Challenges in Emergency Governance: An Analysis of Poland’s Reluctance and Regulatory Ambiguities in States of Emergency

Abstract This article analyses the constitutional framework regulating states of emergency in Poland and addresses key issues related to their interpretation and implementation. The first part discusses the conditions for declaring martial law, a state of an extraordinary situation, and a state of natural disaster, as well as the specific rules for the operation of public authorities in such emergencies. The next part analyses the practice, revealing the consistent reluctance of Polish authorities to invoke states of emergency, even in circumstances that seem to justify such measures. Consequently, a state of emergency under the 1997 Constitution was declared in Poland only once – in 2021, in response to a migration crisis on the border with Belarus. No constitutional emergency was declared during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the introduction of far-reaching restrictions on individual rights and freedoms. The article argues that state authorities can abuse emergency regulations, either through their unjustified application or by deliberately circumventing them.

An Analysis of Migration during Covid-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been negatively impacting the entire world economy. The plight of migrants and their struggle to return home in the period of lockdown has been highlighted during lockdown. The migrants see no future in returning to cities; they want to go back to their homeland and are prepared to make the very minimum of money that is possible there. The COVID-19 pandemic has generally resulted in reverse migration, which has highlighted the importance of addressing migrant workers' socioeconomic needs and promoting inclusive and sustainable development in both urban and rural areas. This paper analyses the scenario of migration in India during the pandemic period and the evaluation of current policy responses by the central government and state governments. These initiatives supported the reintegration of returning migrant workers into the local economy, promoted sustainable livelihoods through employment and entrepreneurship, and helped offer immediate assistance to them. The welfare of millions of migrant workers and the management of the migration crisis depended heavily on cooperation between the central and state governments. The purpose of this article is to discuss the crises of reverse migration amid Covid 19 and the initiatives taken by the Government of India. The article uses PLFS 2020-21 data to analyze the issue. It observes that the female migration rates have been steadily increasing during the period 2020-21. The majority of migrants in intra-state movement are women, and the majority of migrants in inter-state migration are men. The primary causes of migration brought on by COVID-19 include health issues, the departure of a parent or other family member who earns money, job loss or a lack of work opportunities.

Challenges of migration for foreign policy and its instrumentalization

Modern migration processes generate serious challenges for international relations, becoming at the same time a significant object and instrument of interaction between states. The multiplication of international migrants, growth of diasporas, increase in the cross-border mobility potential of the population, intensification of spontaneous movements, spread of migration crises, etc., occurring in the context of deepening the migration interdependence of states, affect both the amplified exposure and vulnerability of states to the effects of migration, and the expansion of opportunities to use the latter as a means of achieving political and other goals. As a result, the links between population movements and international relations are being strengthened, and migration policy is being integrated with foreign policy. In the turbulent conditions of the transformation of the world order, international tension and hybrid wars, the arsenal of which is expanding due to the weaponization of non-military means of geopolitical struggle, including migration means, the use of migration as a tool of coercion is expanding. In modern foreign literature, a narrow, essentially one-sided definition of migration instrumentalization has been established, used to characterize cases when a political actor intentionally and artificially provokes the emergence of large migration flows and, manipulating them, tries to exert pressure on the target state to achieve foreign policy goals. In a broad sense of the word, the foreign policy instrumentalization of migration processes, combining the use of various, both cooperative and coercive, including unconventional means, can be understood as a set of measures to influence migration processes motivated by foreign policy interests and pursuing foreign policy goals. In the modern practice of coercive instrumentalization of migration, along with the manipulation of massive spontaneous flows, carried out mainly by the states of the global South, migration sanctions are increasingly being applied in the North against countries that do not obey the rules of the outgoing world order. The destabilizing potential and effectiveness of such measures in terms of achieving the set goals varies greatly depending on their type and specific context.

The influence of international organizations on the national legislative process in EU member states

The article is devoted to the study of the influence of international organizations on the national legislative process in the European Union, focusing on the adaptation of EU legislation to global legal standards. The relevance of the topic is due to the growing role of international law in the context of globalization, when countries are forced to coordinate their actions to ensure stability, security, support for human rights and sustainable development. International organizations, such as the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Council of Europe, are considered to have a significant influence on the formation of EU legal norms, ensuring the harmonization of national legislation of the Member States and complete legal certainty throughout the territory of the Union. The paper highlights the main forms of influence of international organizations on lawmaking in the EU, in particular through the adoption of recommendations, directives, conventional international agreements, as well as through the implementation of decisions of international courts, such as the European Court of Human Rights. Particular attention is paid to the areas of human rights, economic regulation, environmental protection and security, international standards have become the basis for the development of European norms. The analytical approach allows us to assess how international organizations not only adapt EU legislative acts to global requirements, but also ensure the effectiveness of internal order, market security of citizens, social justice and protection of human rights. The article also considers the prospects for further integration of international standards into the EU legal system, in particular in the context of new global challenges, such as cyber threats, pandemics, migration crises and climate change. The conclusions of the study indicate the importance of EU cooperation with international organizations both for increasing the level of legal protection of citizens and for strengthening the role of the EU as a global legal actor. Based on the analysis, the article emphasizes the interaction of international law and regional regulations as a factor in increasing the stability and development of the EU legal system.

Just and unjust securitization of migration: a comparative analysis of migration to Poland from MENA countries and Ukraine

Much research confirms that the country of origin of migrants (refugees), as well as their religion, determines the approach of the destination country society to newcomers. It affects the conditions of receiving the acceptance of a legal stay and possible support. Double standards are the main results of this intersection. The study aimed to present the research results on the securitization processes implemented in Poland as a response to two migration crises related to the influx of migrants and refugees from MENA countries and Ukraine. Proposed by Rita Floyd, a just and unjust securitization approach has been implemented in the analysis of securitization movements undertaken by Polish governments in 2015–2023. Critical discourse analysis (CDA) has been used to analyze securitization done by politicians in response to expectations of the society. The results confirm that although in the case of both described influx of securitization of migrants has been implemented, not in all cases it was a response to an existential threat. Migration from MENA countries was securitized much more often than from Ukraine and, at the same time, in most cases, it was unjust securitization. Those results confirm that the country of origin determines the securitization process as well as their justification.

Solidarity versus security? Tracing shifts in the citizens’ discourse during the ‘migration crisis’ in Germany

ABSTRACT How do citizens discuss solidarity during migration situations? And does securitization of migration go along with de-solidarization? This paper examines the individual level of citizens’ communication on solidarity (or not) with migrants along three main frames identified by the literature on solidarity and deservingness: economy, identity, and security. In contrast to existing studies, we offer a long-term perspective (2005–2019) which enables us to capture in a more precise way changes or continuities in solidarity discourses triggered by migration contexts. Compiling large corpora and relying on a corpus linguistic approach, we conduct a quantitative cross-time analysis, which combines content analysis, machine learning and dictionary-based methods. Germany serves as a representative case displaying both scenarios of ‘welcome` as well as ‘rejection culture’. The analysis reveals a primacy of the security frames in the public discourse in Germany, which was, albeit, not specifically induced but rather amplified by the 2015/16 migration crisis. Our findings counter, however, the assumption that the dominance of security frames during the migration crisis triggered a shift in discourse toward de-solidarization with migrants. Thus, our study makes an important contribution to the research on migration showing that solidarity and securitization are not necessarily opposite concepts in the public debate.

Youth volunteering in Greece: patterns of inequality in different types of volunteer organisations

Volunteering is particularly important for young people as it is associated with a wide range of positive outcomes. Despite the importance of volunteering for young people, there are relatively few empirical studies analysing possible patterns of inequality. The example of Greece is particularly interesting for the study of youth volunteering, as the Greek civil society sector was recently revitalised in the context of the recession and migrant crisis, with numerous volunteers supporting people in need. The article uses data from the EU-funded project EURYKA and applies an integrated theoretical approach of resource theory and the dominant status model to examine socio-economic inequalities in the volunteering of Greek young adults (18–34 years) in different types of volunteer organisations. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of considering the different types of volunteer organisations in related studies to understand potential patterns of inequality in youth volunteering.

The Political Dynamics of Refugee Migration in Europe: Analyzing the Impact of Nationalism, EU Solidarity, and the Dublin Regulation Post-2015 Migrant Crisis

The Political Dynamics of Refugee Migration in Europe: Analyzing the Impact of Nationalism, EU Solidarity, and the Dublin Regulation Post-2015 Migrant Crisis

Awareness Over Knowledge: An Exploratory Study on a Refugee Crisis Game

Background Migration crises, caused by conflicts, climate change, or economic decline, have been major drivers of social transitions in recent years, leading to significant changes in attitudes and policies toward refugees and migrants. In this context, serious games have emerged as a powerful tool for promoting awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by refugees. Objectives In this paper, we present the quantitative outcomes of a research project The People: a serious game to represent the complexity of the migration crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border. In the research, we explored how playing a serious game has impacted the affective, cognitive, and behavioural components of attitudes of 69 participants in light of the perception of the humanitarian crisis. Methods In the game, participants took on roles of migration crisis zone residents. We designed a quasi-experiment with pre-post surveys and observations of participants’ behaviour. We conducted statistical tests to confirm the effect of the simulation game on the attitudes towards asylum seekers and residents at the Polish-Belarusian border – at least at the declarative level. Results The game has improved participants’ willingness to mitigate the refugee crisis as well as the level of positive attitudes towards refugees – and knowledge regarding the situation of the inhabitants of the border area. Interestingly, the improved knowledge of refugees’ situation was not statistically significant, so despite the limited familiarity with refugees’ perspectives, the newly gained social awareness and comprehension of the migration crisis reinforced positive attitudes and agency for social change. Limitations and further research The participants were mostly from big cities and top high schools. Playing the game in rural areas, or among students without an interest in education could impact the outcomes. Creating a control group and expanding the sample is recommended to verify the role of the game per se as a transformative means.

Navigating identity: migration, and (dis)ability, and their cultural geographies in Venice

This article explores the Wrecks-Landings exhibition at the Giorgio Franchetti Gallery, Ca’ d’Oro, in Venice, Italy, a city profoundly shaped by waves of migration. The exhibition features works by (dis)abled artists that poignantly reflect on the contemporary experiences of forced migrants. Together, these pieces form an evocative, site-specific installation that urges empathetic understanding and fosters informed dialogue. This installation demonstrates how artistic and creative methodologies, augmented by academic expertise, can offer nuanced insights into the complex political issues surrounding the ongoing forced migrant crisis – a crisis that continues to compel desperate individuals to undertake perilous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea.