Ludger Pries explores the important moral, social and political challenge facing Europe and the international community: the protection of refugees as one of the most vulnerable groups on the planet.

Combining an in-depth analysis of current research, own empirical studies in several European countries, and a critical review of the policies of nation states as well as international and transnational organizations, the author analyses the 2015 so-called refugee crisis and its continuing impact. Who are the refugees, how and why did they come? Which parts of civil society were actively involved and why? What are the future responsibilities of the state for arriving refugees and their successful integration? This book examines the limitations of structural settings with perspectives on collective actors' behaviour and strategies. Offering a critical view on the historical embedding of the refugee issue, as well as the current and future challenges for Europe, Pries provides an insightful overview of all aspects of the so-called European refugee crisis and its aftermath.

Refugees, Civil Society and the State merges perspectives from political science and international relations with international humanitarian law, the sociology of migration and action theory. Scholars, journalists and political actors who want to further understand the ongoing challenge of refugee protection will greatly benefit from the distinguished author's research.

About the Author
Ludger Pries, Senior Professor of Sociology, Department of Social Science, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany

Reviews
'Ludger Pries uses three dyads to provide a sophisticated examination of the ''refugee crisis'' of 2015: the global dynamics of migration vs methodological nationalism, the evolution of European legal asylum instruments vs ''organized non-responsibility'' on the part of some political leaders and, finally, internationalist solidarity movements vs right-wing populism. The result is an insightful analysis of events hitherto obscured by sensationalist headlines.'
--Robin Cohen, University of Oxford, UK

'Ludger Pries shows how refugee flows are a symptom of a new transnational social question, revealing the weakness of the Common European Asylum framework, which has degenerated into a system of ''organised non-responsibility''. In global terms, the United Nations' refugee protection is breaking down, making new approaches essential. Pries' institutional sociology approach points to possible ways forward, based on involvement of civil society and social movements, and strategies to reduce inequality within and between nations.'
--Stephen Castles, University of Sydney, Australia

Book Information
ISBN 9781788116527
Author Ludger Pries
Format Hardback
Page Count 264
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd