Refugees: Towards a Politics of Responsibility

The book "The Political: An Ethos of Responsibility" argues that politics must embrace an ethos of responsibility for others, with the right to seek asylum becoming foundational for political decision-making. It calls for a 'politics of hauntology in memory of the missing' to safeguard the future and human dignity of stateless persons.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The world is witnessing a unprecedented refugee crisis, with millions of people fleeing from countries like Myanmar to Syria. This crisis is not only a result of conflict and persecution, but also of climate change, which is expected to displace even more millions in the coming years. Despite these challenges, politics has failed to produce adequate responses, and has not heeded the lessons of past refugee crises.

One reason for this failure is the dominant concept of the political, which emphasizes the distinction between friends and enemies and prioritizes national security over humanitarian concerns. This approach leads to policies that prioritize border control and deterrence rather than providing refuge and support to those in need.

Another factor contributing to the inadequate response to the refugee crisis is the lack of recognition of the human rights of stateless persons. Many refugees are denied the right to seek asylum and are subjected to harsh conditions, including detention and deportation. This violates international law and human rights standards, and requires a more comprehensive approach to address the issue.

Some argue that human rights and international law, or more radically, the case for open borders, are sufficient to address the refugee crisis. However, this approach fails to recognize the complex and multifaceted nature of the problem. The refugee crisis is not simply a matter of providing shelter and basic needs, but also of addressing the root causes of displacement, such as conflict, persecution, and climate change.

In order to address the refugee crisis, a new concept of the political is needed. This concept should embrace an ethos of responsibility for others, where the right to seek asylum becomes foundational for politics itself. This means that societies, whether liberal or not, in the mode of the sovereign state or some other form, should prioritize the protection and well-being of stateless persons.

One way to achieve this is through the establishment of a global refugee system that provides safe and legal pathways for refugees to seek asylum and receive support. This system should include mechanisms for resettlement, integration, and assistance to refugees in their host countries.

In addition, the international community should prioritize the prevention of conflict and persecution, and address the root causes of displacement, such as climate change. This requires a global commitment to sustainable development, poverty reduction, and social justice, as well as the protection of human rights and the environment.

Finally, the book calls for a ‘politics of hauntology in memory of the missing – those who might have been rescued, and those yet to come, who are already among the disappeared.’ This means that we should remember the lives of those who have died or been displaced as a result of the refugee crisis, and work to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.

In conclusion, the refugee crisis is a complex and urgent issue that requires a radical reconfiguration of the understanding of politics. We need to prioritize the protection and well-being of stateless persons, and embrace an ethos of responsibility for others. This requires a global commitment to human rights, international law, and sustainable development, as well as the recognition of the human rights of stateless persons and the prevention of conflict and persecution. Only by addressing these challenges can we hope to safeguard the future and human dignity of stateless persons.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 229 x 151 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538179871