Vienna – ESI at RECET Festival on humanitarianism, pragmatism and migration

3 June 2025
Photo: Research Center for the History of Transformations (RECET)
Photo: Research Center for the History of Transformations (RECET)

As part of the RECET Festival “Migration & Transformation” at the University of Vienna, ESI’s Gerald Knaus joined Austrian migration researcher Judith Kohlenberger for a public debate under the title “Humanitarianism versus Pragmatism: Refugee and Migration Policy in the 21st Century.” The event was moderated by historian Philipp Ther, founder of the Research Center for the History of Transformations (RECET).

In front of a packed audience at the festival tent on campus, the discussion explored the tension between humanitarian imperatives and the need for workable migration policy in liberal democracies. Gerald argued that effective control, legal pathways and international cooperation are essential to protect both human rights and democratic legitimacy. He warned that without credible policies, the political space for humanitarian arguments will continue to shrink.

Judith Kohlenberger and Gerald agreed that Europe needs to avoid the false choice between openness and order – and instead find sustainable ways to manage migration that reflect core European values.

The event was part of a three-day festival co-organised by RECET, showcasing interdisciplinary perspectives on migration and transformation in Europe and beyond.