This research examines how political discourses, frequently characterized by increased securitization ideologies and shaped by popular media, have played a role in the development of Libya’s and Italy’s migration policies and inter-state agreements. Specifically since the emergence of the European migration 'crisis' in 2015, discourse has produced a negative [influence on] societal perception on migration, both in Italy and Libya. Despite large amounts of research on migration narratives and policies, few analyze the exclusionary effects of political and media discourse on migration. This research aims to fill this gap through frameworks of Necropolitics and Existentialism, presenting Italian and Libyan application of power through migration policies and media narratives as a [inter-]national 'Chess Game'. The states are players who control the chess game - migration - and the chess 'pieces' - people on the move -. Through the document attached, my bachelor's thesis is accessible, on the Leiden University student repository.
This article presents the human rights abuses of refugees conducted by the EU and Frontex – as well as individual countries’ border police – along the Balkan Route through various analyses. Firstly, the effect of continuously restrictive laws implemented by the EU through Frontex. Secondly, an analysis of prison-like features of refugee camps throughout the route. Lastly, a study on the wide-spread dehumanization of migrants inside and outside the Balkan Route.