ISIS AND THE 2015 MIGRATION WAVE: THE MOTIVES AND STRUGGLES OF MIGRANTS ON THEIR WAY TO EUROPE
ISIS AND THE 2015 MIGRATION WAVE: THE MOTIVES AND STRUGGLES OF MIGRANTS ON THEIR WAY TO EUROPE

Summary/Abstract: In 2015, an unprecedented number of migrants passed through the Eastern Mediterranean and the Western Balkan route in hope of reaching Western Europe. The underlying reasons behind the phenomenon are complex: unstable political systems of origin countries, terrorist attacks carried out by organizations such as ISIS, and scarce water resources are among the potential root causes. In order to better understand the underlying reasons, motives and struggles of migrants from three different regions, 300 journalistic interviews conducted in 12 countries, between 2015 and 2019, were analysed using an inductive content analysis. It can be concluded that the majority of migrants interviewed are not aware of the illicit nature of their border crossings and are determined to reach the destination country even if it entails violence. The efficiency of smuggler activity, Germany’s favourable news and the fact that the refugees have not heard of anyone having been sent back to their home country are all contributing factors. Future policies and communication campaigns should be based on these findings when handling a potential future wave of migration.

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