Refuge 201-236 Reading Journal

The authors begin this section by laying out three important ideas for reforming the way we deal with refugees: Creating specific and achievable objectives, assigning responsibility by deciding who will do what in order to meet those objectives, and creating or reforming organizations that will facilitate assigning responsibility and meeting goals. They then explain how the Syrian refugee crisis could have been mitigated if their proposed vision existed at the time, as well as how it could mitigate future and present crises like in Kenya. They conclude by addressing potential points of criticism, such as preventing economic exploitation and the difference between voluntary migrants and refugees.

1. With the current crisis somewhat under control - at least from the European point of view - European leaders seem content to maintain the status quo. What needs to be done to encourage immediate change?

2. Should preventative action, i.e. intervening in the affairs of states with potential to fail, be included in the refugee regime proposed in the book? What problems could arise from preemptive intervention?