This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted factors that contributed to Lithuania's hostile stance towards immigrants, as exemplified by the country's response to the 2021 border crisis with Belarus. By examining the complex interplay of political, social, cultural, and historical factors, this research seeks to understand the unique characteristics of Lithuania's anti-migrant sentiment within the broader context of post-Soviet and Eastern European states, as well as emerging global trends in xenophobia. The analysis draws upon a diverse range of theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence to explore the explanatory factors behind Lithuania's hostile reception of migrants, providing a nuanced understanding of the country's experiences and the broader implications for migration policy in the region.
Introduction.- Chapter 1. The Historical Context, and Factors in Hostility to Migrants in Lithuania.- Chapter 2: The geopolitical roots of the Lithuanian Border, weaponised discourses, a state of emergency, and the role of Europe.- Chapter 3: The role of the media in the construction of hostility towards immigrants.- Chapter 4: Nationalist and anti-immigrant groups in the perpetuation of hostility.- Chapter 5. Challenging Hostility: Social Movements, NGOs, and Migrant Advocacy in Lithuania.- Conclusion.
Benjamin Nangle is a PhD researcher at KU Leuven in Belgium, focused on far right extremism, political communication, and migration issues. He has substantial professional experience with displaced and conflict affected populations.
Giedre Blazyte is an experienced researcher with over a decade of expertise in migration, migrant integration, gender equality, and equal opportunities. Formerly a researcher at the Lithuanian Social Research Centre and Diversity Development Group, she now works as a market research analyst at a governmental agency, while continuing her independent research.
