Dynamics of Conflicts and Refugees: African Refugees as Humanitarian Crisis and Security Threats (2017.03)
2017.03.01
- Author : Shin-wha Lee
- Journal : The 21st Century Political Science Review
- Publisher : 21st Century Political Science Association
- Volume : 27(1)
- Publication Date : March, 2017
- Abstract : Global refugee crisis requires academic and policy approaches by which refugees are not only regarded as helpless victims but also as agents who cause economic, social, and ecological instability, and even inter-state conflicts. Although Europe faces the biggest refugee crisis since World War II, which are perceived as the greatest regional security challenge, more than 85% of global refugees reside in neighboring undeveloped countries where there are civil war, famine, poverty, and other problems similar to those of refugee-producing countries. If advanced countries attempt to tighten border security for their own national interest, they may secure stability in the short run, but ultimately bring about more serious consequences. Still, more states and local peoples tend to “securitize” refugee issues, remaining very passive about or rejecting refugee inflows. This paper intends not to agree with these trend by emphasizing the possibility of refugees becoming security threats. Rather, the paper criticizes those who politically use refugee crisis and seek sustainable realistic responses to refugee crisis by examining it both from humanitarian and security perspectives. Citing the complex dynamics of violent conflicts and refugee flows in sub-Saharan Africa, the paper intends to seek two-way analysis of refugee problems as victims and (intended or unintended) agents of conflicts.