NOVA Asylum Policy Lab

Abstract

The weaponization of migration has emerged as a key tactic in hybrid warfare, allowing states to exert political pressure and destabilize rivals. Europe’s vulnerability to migration crises has been exploited by various actors, including Libya, Turkey, Belarus, and Russia. Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi used migration threats to negotiate political concessions, while Turkey leveraged refugee flows for financial and diplomatic gains. In 2021, Belarus orchestrated a border crisis to retaliate against EU sanctions, exposing European divisions. Russia, through its influence in conflict zones, has indirectly fueled migration pressures on Europe. These cases highlight the broader challenge of balancing security, humanitarian commitments, and EU solidarity. This analysis explores the legal and political implications of migration as a weapon, assesses Europe’s current strategies, and outlines potential policy responses to mitigate future threats. As geopolitical instability persists, Europe must adopt a resilient, coordinated approach to prevent migration crises from undermining its stability.