This thesis examines the humanitarian-security nexus in the Canadian refugee protection regime through a biopolitical and genealogical framework. Addressing the post-WWII period, it analyses the specific ways in which this nexus has been assembled in response to the Ugandan-Asian and Chilean refugee crises. Although diverse studies have focused on either security or humanitarian practices, there has been scant inquiry into the intersecting nature of these practices. Drawing from Michel Foucault and Giorgio Agamben's theoretical understandings of biopolitics as an assemblage of technologies of power, this dissertation argues that governing authorities' biopolitical power alternates among making live, letting die, and making survive. ACKNOWLEDGMENT This dissertation would not have been written without the support and encouragement of my supervisor Cristina Rojas. Your insight, critical eye, patience, and reassurances has been pivotal in completing this dissertation. It has been an honour working with you. I also owe an immense gratitude to my committee members, James Milner and Graeme Auld. James' enthusiasm, and compelling arguments were crucial in rethinking my assumptions. Graeme's invaluable feedback, and questions guided me throughout this process. I thank you both for being part of this project. I am also indebted to my external and internal examiners, Peter Nyers, and Has-Martin Jaeger. Your thoughtful and constructive comments enriched this research. It was a privilege to have you both on my defense committee. My doctoral research was supported by the Social Sciences for Humanities Research Council. I could not have completed this PhD without their financial assistance. My friends have played a major role in this project. Your comradery, love, companionship, and support in the different editing projects has made the writing process possible, and more enjoyable. I would like to particularly thank Saman Far