Andrew
T. H. Luong
March 27, 2017
Prof. Cocozzelli
Seminar-Book
Review
Beyond
Charity: International Cooperation and the Global Refugee Crisis.
In the book known as “Beyond Charity:
International Cooperation and the Global Refugee Crisis” the writer, Gil
Loescher, crafts a story that goes beyond the simple workings of the refugee
crisis. He not only talks about the refugees themselves, but also of the
nations who host these men, woman and children who are fleeing from their
countries. Of how nations of old, who
once opened their doors to these refugees, now bar them as the consequences of
aiding these migrants start to harm their own society. Loescher is also
offering this book to give insight to the policymakers, the scientists and many
other scholars so they can understand the intricate problems, as well as the
truth of the refugee crisis. He argues that that the refugee crisis cannot only
be responded in a strictly humanitarian approach, but now must evolve to deal
with the political and economical ramifications that come with hosting
refugees.
Loescher starts off his book with
the examination of the refugee problems, as well as an intricate look at the
definition of the word ‘refugees’. Furthermore, he studies refugees, not only
in the more modernized societies, but also their conditions in Third World
Countries. Explaining quite explicitly that these migrants are not welcome
because of the political as well as economical burden they place. For example,
accepting a group of migrants would potentially destabilize the political
system, as a small minority might swell from the influx of incoming people. In
addition, the economic burden in providing for them would be astronomical,
hence the hesitation as countries start to accept more and more. Loescher explains
that this hesitation and reservation grows because the mindset of the people in
the current era has now changed.
From that point, Lescher moves to
explain that the gradual change started after the Cold War, where restrictions
on accepting refugees were lax during those times. The reason for such lax
restrictions was because the definition of refugees was likened more to the
labels of ‘asylum seekers’. Therefore, he tries to argue that because of that
change from asylum seekers, the strict humanitarian aid that is provided cannot
be sufficient. This brings up the
conclusion of his book as he tries to instate several solutions to this
problem, as well as providing a clear picture of the road ahead.
Lescher ability to convey his
message and argument is quite stupendous. Unlike other authors, Lescher
provides a clear image of what he is writing. He is not forcing his opinions on
his readers, but providing a natural window for us to look at refugees.
Furthermore, because Lescher has interviewed a grand number of people, travelled
to many nations and has even interviewed top officials regarding the refugee
crisis, his foundation of information is quite firm. Nonetheless, the language
that Lescher uses might not be for everyone, in fact, it would not be
surprising if some scholars disagree with Lescher’s reasoning. However, that is
to be expected with such a hotbed issue in regards to Refugees.
Regardless, my stance on Lescher is
an almost neutral opinion. While I do agree on some points, and acknowledge
that the refugee problem is both a political and economic problem. I cannot say
the same for the cause being a change of attitude in regards to the changing of
‘asylum seekers’ to refugees. Still, Lescher’s research will help greatly, as
some of his chapters’ deals with the countries that I am currently working on
and that is the EU’s policies regarding the refugees. His talk of economical
strife and political issues will help greatly in my own research as those are
things that I can fully agree on.
References:
Loescher, Gil. Beyond Charity:
International Cooperation and the Global Refugee Crisis. New York: Oxford
UP, 1996
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