The Issue of International Migration in Europe
Because of the accompanying security issues, the issue of international migration is currently being discussed more in Europe than on any other continent in the world. One widely accepted definition of security is the absence of threat, which several schools of thought have elaborated on (Haftendorn 15-17). The old method saw the state as the reference object for security analysis from a military standpoint. However, post-Cold War research enlarged this notion to encompass other players within the state. For example, the Copenhagen School expanded the concept to encompass environmental, economic, political, and social considerations (Hitchings 377-380). Based on these arguments propounded by scholars such as Barry Buzan, immigration, therefore, proves to be a major security issue in Europe.
Perceived and Constructed Threats of Immigration
A look at the current immigration issues being raised, like the Hungarian case, confirms that immigration is more of a perceived and constructed threat and not real. In particular, European immigration has caused societal insecurity which is primarily concerned with the concept of collective identity as argued out by Ole Wæver (Wæver 83-85)). The European society is currently being unable to persist in its effort to retain its culture because of the actual and possible threats that are posed by these immigrants. Peter Szijjarto, the Hungarian foreign minister, raised concerns about the illegal migration which he perceived as a great danger. Peter noted that there had been an uncontrolled and unregulated massive influx of immigrants that has seen terrorist organizations taking this advantage and sending their fighters (Theodore & Dimitrios 63-64). It, therefore, becomes unnecessary to provide shelter, food, and clothing to potential terrorists that may be difficult to identify. In this case, immigration becoming a security issue of concern to the traditional and the Copenhagen School. Besides, the lack of employment makes the immigrants an easy prey for terrorists who may wish to pay them heavily for pushing their extremist agendas.
Political Impact of Immigration
The security threats caused by the immigration has even become a key political issue, especially during elections. Examples of such countries include Sweden, Britain, Denmark, and Switzerland. Some nations, however, seem to support the immigration in order to be more proud of their cultural diversity, a transformation that the European States have undergone from their homogeneous forms. However, for the sake of security, it becomes inappropriate to promote the multiculturalism if the negative effects outdo the positive ones. The difficulties or the inability of these immigrants to effectively integrate or assimilate cause another challenge to the individual states causing government instability. It is unfortunate that Germany might be one of the biggest casualties in the problem as it continues to experience an influx of refugees and asylum seekers from the Middle East.
Addressing Immigration as a Security Issue
Conclusively, the broadening of the international security concept was essential in precisely identifying the security risks through the analysis of other factors within the state. The immigration being witnessed in Europe, therefore, becomes a security issue that calls for pragmatic measures in order for peace to prevail in the long-term. Instead of concentrating on given the immigrants a better place to live in their countries, European leaders should focus on creating such an environment in their motherland. The measure benefits both parties without putting the host at risk of degenerating into chaos and hence an instability in the future.
Work Cited
Haftendorn, Helga. “The security puzzle: theory-building and discipline-building in international security.” International studies quarterly 35.1 (1991): 3-17.
Hitchings, Jean. “Deficiencies of the traditional approach to information security and the requirements for a new methodology.” Computers & Security 14.5 (1995): 377-383.
Theodore, John, Jonathan Theodore, and Dimitrios Syrrakos. “EU Migration.” The European Union and the Eurozone under Stress. Springer International Publishing, 2017. 63-64.
Wæver, Ole. “Four meanings of international society: A trans-Atlantic dialogue.” International Society and the Development of International Relations Theory 2 (1998): 83-85.
