European Governments' Questionable Response: An Investigation into the Effects of Anti-Refugee Policies on Extremism in Europe

In light of the European migrant crisis, questions have been raised over the manner in which European countries have responded to the increase in refugees requiring settlement into the host state; with an upsurge in restrictive policies being witnessed. However, there is a lack of research into the effects of such policies. Therefore, this thesis tests the relationship between anti-refugee policies and extremism. This is achieved by analysing the effects of obstructive refugee policies (data for which provided by the Immigration Policies in Comparison dataset) on three levels of extremism: least violent, far-right vote share; intermediate-level, intentional homicide; most violent (gold standard of violent extremism), terror incidents. The study employs both a quantitative and qualitative approach, utilising a large-n study of the 24 OECD European states; which is followed by a comparative case study of a pro-refugee city in Mechelen (Belgium) and an evidently anti-refugee city in Cottbus (Germany). The principal findings are that, of the three levels of extremism, the strongest relationships were identified between anti-refugee policies and support for far-right parties. Additionally, the thesis provides evidence to suggest that there is a convincing causal link between effective and persistent refugee integration policies with a decrease in extremism. Implications of which are, that there is just indication that European governments should endeavour to employ further inclusive policies, aimed at their foreign inhabitants, in order to decrease the risk of extremism.