Syrian Immigrants: a Subject that Requires Protection, a Threat, or an Object of International Politics?
Syrian Immigrants: a Subject that Requires Protection, a Threat, or an Object of International Politics?

Summary/Abstract: The goal of this paper is to look at immigration in the context of the realisation of both national and international interests. Undoubtedly, the concept of human security is close to the work of international institutions – such as the UNHCR, which aims to provide transnational solutions to the problems of immigrants, not only in terms of ensuring their survival in a state of crisis, but also in terms of a dignified life. The contemporary challenge in this sphere is the instrumental use of migration issues in the international policy as a factor of pressure or in the internal policy of individual states. As shown in the example of Turkey, Syrian immigrants are directly treated as an element of pressure on the EU in the political, economic and visa policy spheres. In the case of Poland, the migration issue has been securitised as an existential threat to internal security in the context of a clash of cultures but also of terrorist threats. It has also become an element of political games between the Community authorities and the right to shape the internal policies of individual states. As can be seen, despite the momentous ideas of the concept of human security, it loses to the realistic concepts of power, and particular interests of the individual states.

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