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
1. THESIS OF THE PAPER
2. ARGUMENTATION
3. CONCLUSION
4. END
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the role of the Italian island of Lampedusa as a central symbol and focal point of the European migration debate, investigating how political and economic practices shape the "borderness" of the island rather than its geographical location alone.
- The construction of Lampedusa as a symbol for European migration
- The securitization of migration and its political exploitation
- The humanitarian vs. securitarian discourse in border management
- Economic implications and the nascent migration industry
- The impact of media representation on public perception of "boat people"
Excerpt from the Book
ARGUMENTATION
Europe needs one stage, where all its issues can be displayed. Too many scenes in different areas could easily confuse the target audience, but “concentrating one show on a single stage makes it easier for the spectator to follow the performance”. In the first place, crisis are artificially produced to demonstrate the strength of Italy and European borderlands. The borderline for example is essentially for the (self-)representation and the self-esteem of territorial power, whether the power of a state or the whole European Union. Secondly the humanitarian organizations, like first aid facilities and charity fundraiser, help to legitimize political strategies and their consequences in the public opinion.
It is a fact, that in the first nine months of 2014 more than 2,500 asylum-seekers have died in front of the Italian coast, the majority of them coming from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Somalia and Syria. Within only one year the Italian coast patrol sent back over 100,000 people trying to take the big insecure step to Europe (The Telegraph Online).
Italy, attempting to control mobility has made several bilateral agreements with North African states and installed border agencies like Frontex and the boat patrol. What we can find here is a “multilevel system of governance” founded on “a fundamental economic interest in the ‘management’ of mobility and the implementation of its policies”. At the same time problems are generated and solutions are offered – that is one strategy representatives use especially before elections. In the midst of political campaigns fighting undocumented mobility is put on a level with fighting human trafficking.
Summary of Chapters
THESIS OF THE PAPER: The author posits that Lampedusa has been strategically transformed into the primary symbol representing the grievances associated with migration in Europe.
ARGUMENTATION: This section explores how migration crises are often manufactured to serve political narratives, analyzing the securitization of borders and the economic interests underlying migration management.
CONCLUSION: The author emphasizes that migration is a survival strategy driven by global disparities, arguing that the European approach is overly securitized and fails to address the underlying humanitarian and political realities.
END: The final section reflects on the moral failures of European migration policy, suggesting that the focus should shift from defense to humanitarian support to avoid further human rights crises.
Keywords
Lampedusa, European Migration, Border Regime, Securitization, Undocumented Mobility, Human Trafficking, Humanitarian Catastrophe, Political Spectacle, Migration Industry, Asylum-Seekers, Border Control, Mediterranean, EU Policy, Human Rights, Economic Interests
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the Italian island of Lampedusa and its role as a symbolic stage for Europe's migration problems, arguing that its prominence is a result of political and media construction rather than just geography.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the securitization of migration, the performance of territorial power, the economic benefits of the "migration industry," and the gap between humanitarian needs and political defense policies.
What is the main goal of the research?
The goal is to analyze how the migration crisis is managed and exploited for political purposes, positioning Lampedusa as the central example of the failures of the current European border regime.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The study utilizes a qualitative analysis of current political discourses, media reports, and academic perspectives on border politics, migration management, and historical events like the Arab Spring.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the "borderness" of Lampedusa, the role of humanitarian versus security measures, the bilateral agreements between Italy and North African states, and the economic aspects of migration control.
What are the most significant keywords for this work?
The most significant keywords include Lampedusa, Securitization, Migration Industry, Border Regime, and Humanitarian Catastrophe.
How does the author define the term "harraga"?
The term "harraga" is described as a North West African noun for individuals who "burn their papers" in order to conceal their identity and origin, preventing authorities from easily identifying and deporting them.
What is the significance of the "cemetary of boats" mentioned in the text?
It represents the physical manifestation of the migration crisis on Lampedusa, where parts of ships used by migrants are sold or traded in an informal black market, highlighting the economic activities tied to border arrivals.
- Citation du texte
- Winnie Faust (Auteur), 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
