Democratic Transition and Migration and Refugee Policy in Tunisia and in Comparative Perspective

Date of Award

5-12-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Political Science

Advisor(s)

Audie Klotz

Keywords

decentralization;democratization;migration;refugees;Tunisia

Subject Categories

Political Science | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

What is the impact of democratic transition processes on migration and refugee policy? This mixed-method dissertation examines this question through both a qualitative case study of Tunisia during and after its recent democratic period (2011-2021) and a statistical analysis of regime change and refugee rights in 70 Global South states. This dissertation presents the surprising finding that in Tunisia, the locus of migration policymaking changed slightly after democratization because Tunisia’s decentralization process allowed for local-level actors to exercise increased autonomy over issues relating to migrant and refugee health and integration. It also finds that, in cross-national perspective, democratic transitions are associated with short-term reductions in refugee rights, despite the finding that democracy itself is associated with greater rights for refugees. Finally, this dissertation suggests that a democratic “transition effect” can complement current debates in the migration studies literature about the relationship between regime type and migration and refugee policy.

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