7 - The Domestic Influence of International Actors

Summary

Intergovernmental organizations like the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have become key actors and facilitators between European states and countries of origin or transit, but it is unclear to what extent these organizations are able to influence the domestic policies of host countries. Chapter 7 finds that in Egypt, Morocco, and Turkey there are certain limitations that intergovernmental organizations face in attempting to carry out their agendas or advocate for alternative policies, but there are also areas in which intergovernmental organizations have been successful in either influencing domestic policy or having a host government adopt a certain agenda. While the financial incentives that intergovernmental organizations can offer host states sometimes allows for greater influence, other factors are also critical, including: (1) whether the issue of migration or refugees has gained domestic political salience leading to further red-lines; (2) the pre-existing relationships that intergovernmental or international organizations have in the host state; (3) the security concerns around migration or refugees.