Berlin – ESI presentation on humane borders at Urania Berlin

2 June 2021
Video: Urania Berlin

ESI’s Gerald Knaus presented his book “Welche Grenzen brauchen wir?” on the future of asylum and migration policy at Urania Berlin, a scientific society and centre for dialogue between science and the public.

No other topic has influenced European politics in recent years as much as the debate about refugees, asylum, and migration. The discussion is often dominated by buzzwords, false factual claims, and bogus solutions.

Gerald explained what is really at stake and showed that humane borders are possible. He also explained which fundamental problems must be solved for this to happen and how abstract principles can be turned into policies that can be implemented by political majorities. Gerald showed why many societies find such solutions difficult and why many citizens are struggling with conflicting emotions. Moreover, Gerald pointed out the fragile status of the Refugee Convention and its non-refoulement principle, and why international cooperation agreements are key towards a solution.