Lampedusa is definitely a hot spot in the great European migration debate. The tiny island of Lampedusa, “with its 5,000 inhabitants” (Telegraph Online), is located only 167 kilometres from the Tunisian coast and has become the front gate of Europe's south and a symbol for undocumented mobility. Lampedusa functions as a vicarious example of EU (external) borders all focused in one place. Borders consist of conflictive features: on the one hand border means exclusion of people from another state and on the other hand borders are always a zone of contact. Although the right to mobility is an important point of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “border regimes set up limits to the freedom of movement” and ignore the right of asylum.
In this text, the author argues that in the last two decades, Lampedusa has been made the main example for the grievance of migration.
Table of Contents
- THESIS OF THE PAPER
- ARGUMENTATION
- CONCLUSION
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze the role of Lampedusa, an Italian island, in the European migration debate. The island has become a symbol for undocumented mobility and a focal point for EU border control strategies. The paper examines how the island's "borderness" is a product of political and economic practices, and how these practices have led to the securitization of migration and the creation of a political spectacle around the issue.
- The role of Lampedusa as a symbol of EU border control and undocumented mobility.
- The securitization of migration and the construction of a political spectacle around Lampedusa.
- The impact of political and economic practices on the island's "borderness".
- The role of humanitarian organizations in legitimizing political strategies.
- The use of Lampedusa as a stage for the display of European migration issues.
Chapter Summaries
The paper begins by outlining the significance of Lampedusa as a symbol of EU border control and undocumented mobility. It then discusses the securitization of migration and the construction of a political spectacle around the island. The paper explores the impact of political and economic practices on the island's "borderness" and the role of humanitarian organizations in legitimizing political strategies. Finally, it examines the use of Lampedusa as a stage for the display of European migration issues.
Keywords
Lampedusa, migration, border control, securitization, political spectacle, humanitarian organizations, undocumented mobility, EU, Italy, Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lampedusa considered a symbol of European migration?
Due to its proximity to the Tunisian coast, Lampedusa has become the "front gate" of Europe, representing both the exclusion of undocumented migrants and the contact zone of EU external borders.
What is meant by the "securitization of migration"?
It refers to the political practice of treating migration as a security threat, leading to increased border controls, surveillance, and the use of military-like strategies to manage movement.
How is a "political spectacle" created around Lampedusa?
The island is often used as a stage for media and politicians to display the "crisis" of migration, often focusing on dramatic arrivals to justify specific border policies.
What is the role of humanitarian organizations on the island?
While they provide essential aid, the paper argues that they can also inadvertently legitimize political strategies by managing the visible consequences of strict border regimes.
Does the right to mobility conflict with EU border regimes?
Yes, the paper highlights the tension between the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which supports mobility, and EU practices that limit freedom of movement and asylum rights.
How many inhabitants does Lampedusa have?
Lampedusa is a tiny island with approximately 5,000 permanent inhabitants, though this number is often dwarfed by the flow of migrants passing through.
- Quote paper
- Winnie Faust (Author), 2015, The Italian island of Lampedusa. Is this the place where all migration problems of Europe cumulate?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/338142
