Date of Publication

2024

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in International Studies Major in European Studies

Subject Categories

Eastern European Studies

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

International Studies

Thesis Advisor

Charmaine M. Willoughby

Defense Panel Member

Ron Bridget T. Vlog
Ma. Sjenica C. Sevilla
Jonathan Gabriel Mendoza

Abstract/Summary

The study generally presented the securitization of irregular migration from North Africa (2015-present). However, it deals explicitly with figuring out why the EU continued to securitize the issue despite knowing the reasons for such an occurrence. Using document analysis and Copenhagen School as a theoretical guide, this research answers the following questions: (1) How did the EU securitize irregular migration from North Africa (2015-Present)? (2) Why did the EU not desecuritize irregular migration from North Africa? and (3) What are the implications of the EU’s failure to desecuritize irregular migration from North Africa (2015-Present)? Results demonstrated that the EU was able to securitize the issue through the power of its agencies and leaders, creating securitizing moves accepted by the citizens of the EU as the audience. It continued due to a lack of desecuritization fueled by the influence of right-wing media and political parties, implying a lack of audience empowerment as well as the continuous influx of irregular migrants from North Africa. The study concludes that the EU must embrace tackling the root causes of migration, mainly by undergoing desecuritization with consideration of its context.

Keywords: Copenhagen School, Desecuritization, EU, Irregular Migration, North Africa

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Illegal immigration--European Union countries; European Union; Africa, North

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Embargo Period

8-6-2025

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Available for download on Wednesday, August 06, 2025

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