Reevaluating Constructivist Norm Theory: A Three-Dimensional Norms Research Program

Constructivist theories of norm dynamics offer a variety of analytical tools to understand the complex processes of norm emergence, diffusion, and evolution over time. As the literature has developed, though, it lacks a general framing of the interconnections between norms, norm clusters or configurations, and principles or “normativity.” This article advances a new three-dimensional model of constructivist theories of norms that emphasizes the spatial dimensions of norm meanings, legitimacy, and impact and identifies promising avenues for research progress. First, individual norms represent a primary intersubjective structural component that is both developed and contested. Second, theories of norm interrelations or norm clusters provide additional critical dimensions of structuration that may promote resiliency in the face of contestation. Third, norms exist within a larger constellation of norm structures, representing the broadest dimension in world politics. Collisions can occur in this environment, but broader normativity and institutionalization often become activated in the face of serious challenges. As demonstrated using the illustration of international responses to the Syrian civil war (2011 till present), only by attending to all three dimensions of norms can we gain a more accurate understanding of real-world circumstances of norm connections, norm collisions, and the variable effects of norm contestation. The article concludes by identifying promising research avenues building from the three-dimensional framework.

States and Refugee Integration: a Comparative Analysis of France, Germany, and Switzerland

The Syrian civil war led to mass migration and Europe becoming a potential site of refuge. How have Syrians experienced refuge in Europe? Drawing on 58 interviews with Syrian refugees in Germany, France, and Switzerland, we find that refugees continue to experience exclusion in all integration domains including those found as markers and means, social connections, facilitators, and foundations of integration . While our cases demonstrate that Syrian refugees in Europe experience discrimination across all domains, not all conditions are equal. Using narrative analysis, differences were observed within three integration domains. Accessing language programs was more challenging in France, finding housing was more challenging in Germany, and F type residence permits limited refugees’ rights in Switzerland more than in other countries. Discrimination across domains is deepening the socio-cultural-economic divide between autochthonous communities and Syrian refugees, but not all domains are equally divisive across countries. The findings outline that where these states outsourced refugee services, refugees experienced increased barriers to integration.

Surviving Through Tactics: The Everyday Life of Syrian Refugees in Turkey

The Syrian civil war and related migration affected Turkish border cities such as Antakya, Şanlıurfa, Mardin, Gaziantep, and Kilis. In this study, we explore the tactics and strategies developed by Syrian asylum seekers in order to cope with the prejudices and negative perceptions about Syrians commonly shared by locals. The findings of our research are drawn from the in-depth interviews we conducted with more than one hundred refugees, locals, and staff members of different NGOs. Our arguments and conclusions in this article are also the result of observations made during several research trips and a thorough examination of news about refugees in local and national media. Our field research lasted from August 2014 to February 2015, but the substantial part of this study was conducted between January and February 2015.

Distribution and cost of Syrian refugees operated on in Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey

Background: As a result of the Syrian civil war, > 5 million Syrian citizens have fled to neighbouring countries, particularly Turkey, under refugee status. Aims: To analyse the cost and justification for surgery of Syrian refugees treated in a secondary care hospital in Sanliurfa, Southeastern Turkey, close to the Syrian border. Methods: We enrolled 1458 Syrian refugees who were operated upon between 2012 and 2015. The data were obtained through a retrospective search of the hospital information system. Patients were divided into traumatic and nontraumatic cases. Injured body regions, anaesthetic technique, duration of operation, length of hospital stay, sociodemographic features and treatment cost were recorded and analysed. Results: Length of the hospital stay was 7.66 (0.31) days for all 1458 patients. The most common operations were orthopaedic, urological and cranial surgery. The total healthcare costs while patients stayed in hospital was ~US$ 2 million, and cost per patient was US$ 1400. Conclusions: The number of trauma operations performed has declined between 2012 and 2015. Health spending on refugees is an indicator of the economic burden on the country