About the project
Attempts to cross the Mediterranean from Lebanon have until recently been relatively few, even though Lebanon hosts the world’s largest refugee population relative to its population. Due to the ongoing economic devastation and escalated pressure for refugees in Lebanon to return to Syria, however, Lebanon is seemingly emerging as a site of migration towards Europe, for both the refugees in the country and Lebanese nationals.
Focusing on Lebanon as a case, the project considers attempts to prevent 'illegalized' migration by externalizing, offshoring and deterritorializing Europe's southern borders. By studying actors involved in borderwork at various levels, as well as the relationships and dynamics between them, the project will generate knowledge on how externalization agendas are negotiated beyond Europe.
Objectives
The project aim to understand how state and non-state actors at different governance levels understand shifting border externalization practices, as well as how they make sense of possible tensions around different border control rationales, such as humanitarianism and organized crime.
Protect period
The project runs for four years from 2024 to 2028.
Financing
The project is funded by the University of Oslo.