Enhancing the Study of Return Migration Diplomacy through Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA)

by: Samet Apaydın, University of Glasgow | Zeynep Sahin-Mencütek, BICC | Gerasimos Tsourapas, University of Glasgow

With the study of migration diplomacy gaining increased scholarly and policymaking attention in recent years, the GAPs project aims to further advance the field – particularly through innovative methodological tools. This short piece highlights one such advancement: the integration of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) into research on return policymaking, and its intersection with migration diplomacy strategies of sending and host states.

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Refugee Returns as Political Symbolism? Unpacking the Consequences of Syria’s Readmission into the Arab League

by: Judith Hoppermann | University of Glasgow

In May 2023, the League of Arab States (heretofore the Arab League) – a regional, intergovernmental organisation – readmitted Syria after 12 years of absence, signalling a return to a political ‘business as usual’ approach towards the country. Through that, member states hope to reach an Arab solution to the refugee crisis and pursue various strategies related to refugee returns. This post unpacks how these strategies affect refugee politics on the ground. Depending on the outcomes of negotiations between Syria and the Arab League, these could range from political symbolism and fewer implications for refugees to expedited repatriation because of geopolitical strategies.

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