International Society and Its Institutions in Refugee Protection during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Revisiting the Solidarism / Pluralism Debate in English School
Abstract
This study aims at discussing the vulnerability of the Global Refugee Protection Regime (GRPR) during crises
by applying the ‘international society’ concept within the English School of International Relations theory
to the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyze the efficiency of the international society institutions on GRPR
through the policies and practices of states as well as organizations such as the United Nations, European
Union and Council of Europe. The GRPR has been selected because the ‘vulnerability’ of this regime has
become a matter of academic and political debate as much as the vulnerability of those persons in need of
international protection, specifically during times of crisis. Our analysis reveals that GRPR-centric practices
and policies by the institutions of international society during the first four months after the breakout of
COVID-19 suggest a greater vulnerability of the regime.
Keywords
International Law, Balance of Power, Diplomacy, Great Powers, Health Crisis
References
- Kevin Appleby, “Strengthening the Global Refugee Protection System: Recommendations for the Global Compact on Refugee”, Journal of Migration and Human Security, Vol. 5, No 4, 2017, p. 790.