A critical investigation of the relationship between international migration and security

This thesis analyzed how states deal with refugee crises within the framework of their national interests despite the existence of international refugee regime since 1950s over the case of 2020 refugee crisis on Turkey-Greece border. By using case study method the thesis puts forward two arguments. The first is that states chose to securitize mass migration crisis by prioritizing their national interests at the expense of neglecting their humanitarian and legal responsibilities. Secondly, the thesis argues that structural problems inherent in 1951 Refugee Convention (Geneva Convention) and 1967 Protocol for Refugee Convention provide legitimate ground for states to securitize mass migration crises. Both Turkey and Greece's policies during the 2020 refugee crisis prove these arguments.