Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of the refugee problem into an instrument of political pressure in the context of modern diplomatic relations with the Middle East. Based on a systematic analysis of international legal documents, official reports of international organisations and scientific publications, the study addressed the evolution of the international refugee protection system and its current challenges. The study analysed in detail the activities of key international institutions in the context of coordinating the global refugee protection system and finding durable solutions for persons under the mandate. The analysis of the use of the migration crisis as an instrument of hybrid warfare, on the example of the actions of Turkey and Belarus, demonstrated the systemic shortcomings of existing international protection mechanisms. Based on the analysis of empirical data, the study established that the current refugee protection system shows signs of structural inefficiency in responding to large-scale population movements. The study demonstrated that the instrumentalisation of the migration crisis leads to violations of refugees’ rights and creates tensions in international relations. The experience of the EU countries in counteracting the use of migration flows as an instrument of political pressure was studied, and effective practices and gaps in the institutional provision of migration security were identified. The study analysed the legal mechanisms and policy instruments used by international organisations to protect refugees in the context of hybrid threats and assessed their effectiveness in crises. The study substantiated the need for systemic reform of the international system of response to migration crises through the introduction of new coordination mechanisms, strengthening the preventive component and ensuring a fair distribution of responsibility between states. Four strategic areas of reform were proposed: institutional transformation, financial sustainability, technological modernisation and legal harmonisation. The results of the study have practical implications for the development of international refugee policy, improvement of humanitarian diplomacy mechanisms and creation of an effective legal framework for managing migration crises
Source: FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Author: Blerina Xelaj
Institution: University of Vlora "Ismail Qemali"
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4414124195