<i>‘</i>Forced Migration<i> is a relatively concise publication (185pp) written by two academics with extensive experience of, and an infectious interest in, migration issues. I refer to “academics” and “interest’” because this is not a practitioner’s handbook or reference work to be taken off the shelf from time to time. Rather, for those with a fascination for the subject, this is a book to be read from beginning to end. [...] This book is relevant beyond academia, and is well-resourced and well-referenced throughout. It rewards the reader with a wealth of information and a real appreciation of the complexities of a subject of global importance in the 21st century. The Israeli-Palestine crisis, Sudan and the fall of the Assad regime, among others, assure us that the importance of this subject will not go away.’</i>
- Julian Phillips, Law Society Gazette,
<i>‘Fuelled by political conflicts, demographic pressures and climate change, the level of forced migration is increasing dramatically. The old dichotomy between political refugees and economic migrants is now redundant. The authors have faced this issue head-on, providing conceptual clarity and a far-reaching analysis that makes a major contribution to migration studies.’</i>
- Robin Cohen, University of Oxford, UK,
<i>‘Utilizing a range of case studies and in-depth literature reviews, Pries and Bohlen examine the increasing intricacy and interconnected contexts of forced migrations. This volume, extensively researched and academically rigorous, will prove to be an invaluable companion for readers seeking a comprehensive understanding of this global challenge.’</i>
- María Dolores París Pombo, El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Mexico,
Using an interdisciplinary, longitudinal approach to forced migration as a social practice, Ludger Pries and Rafael Bohlen show the multiple causes of the issue, and how the responsibility for refugee protection is usually externalized. They present a fresh life-course perspective on forced migration, exploring the everyday lives and social spaces of those who live with the protracted uncertainty of livelihoods and belonging that it generates. Finally, the book explores a wide range of possible responses to the challenges of forced migration at the policy, organizational, and civil society levels.
Forced Migration is a fascinating and essential reading for social scientists studying and researching migration studies, forced displacement, and human rights. It will also appeal to practitioners, activists and politicians involved in refugee response and state policy.