Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the Contemporary World

Examining a number of case studies, including Palestinian, Afghan and Iraqi refugees, David J. Whittaker's book provides a balanced introduction to this very controversial subject.Fuelled by extensive coverage in the media, the issue of asylum seekers and refugees is one of the most talked about subjects in contemporary politics. Whittaker cuts through the emotive language to give an objective introduction to the subject. Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the Contemporary World discusses the international as well as national implications of the issue, and the book looks in detail at the issue as it has affected Britain and Europe in particular, as well as including material on the UN and its response to the refugee 'problem'.Including a final statement on the British government's 2005 proposals for dealing with refugees, this volume is essential reading for all students of the history of the modern world and is ideal for newcomers to the subject.

Autorentext

David Whittaker is recently retired and was formerly Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Teesside. His many books include United Nations in Action, Conflict and Reconciliation in the Contemporary World, Terrorists and Terrorism in the Contemporary World, and The Terrorism Reader.

Inhalt

1. Asylum Seekers and Refugees: Definition, Facts, Figures 2. Searchers after Asylum: An International Problem 3. Asylum Seekers in Britain: Facts and Debate 4. Asylum Seekers in Europe: Facts and Debate 5. Globality of Concern: The UN and Refugees 6. Case Study No. 1: Palestinian Refugees 7. Case Study No. 2: Balkan Refugees 8. Case Study No. 3: Rwandan Refugees 9. Case Study No. 4: Afghanistan 10. The Question of Return 11. Refugee Testimony as an Aid to Understanding Asylum Issues 12. Retrospect