BOMOCULT lecture by Stephen Phillips

Stephen Phillips from Åbo Akademi University will deliver a lecture at the Karelian Institute on Thursday, 17.10.2024. The event is hybrid: on site at AU104/105 and on Teams for remote participants.

Title: Nordic exceptionalism and its impact on law and policy at Finland’s eastern border

Responses to asylum seekers in the Nordic countries, while containing elements particular to the region, follow a broad pattern among rich countries whereby the priority is on repulsion and prevention of entry, not on asylum. Recent policy and rhetoric emanating from the Nordic countries concerning asylum is remarkably similar to that from elsewhere. Such rhetoric has typically accompanied a hardening of political responses to asylum seekers, and a departure from respect for international human rights and refugee law. 

Using Finland’s recent measures against unwanted migrant arrivals on its eastern border as an example, I show how Nordic responses to forced migration are far from exceptional. Like other states over many decades, Finland has shown a willingness to prioritise domestic politics ahead of international law, preferring a response grounded in securitisation and punishment. This approach by Finland and its Nordic neighbours risks further eroding the institution of asylum.

The event is sponsored by BOMOCULT.