Terrorism and Refugee Perceptions: Comparative Analysis of Germany and Türki̇ye

Abstract

Since the 1990s, the dynamics between migration and security have undergone a profound shift, notably influenced by pivotal events such as 9/11, the Arab Spring, and conflicts in the Middle East. States now perceive migration as an asymmetric threat within the migration-security paradigm, extending concerns to border security, economic stability, ethnic identity preservation, and heightened xenophobia. This study explores the intertwined concerns of migration and security, examining shifts in perceptions of terrorism and refugees. The research uses an exploratory case study approach, focusing on Turkey and Germany, both hosting significant refugee populations post-Arab Spring. The analysis centers on the discourse surrounding terrorism, migration, and refugees in Turkish and German mass media, with a specific emphasis on widely circulated national newspapers. The study covers the period from 2015 to 2020, a critical time marked by heightened migration flows to Europe. The primary goal is to discern whether the discourse on "terrorism" functions as a securitization tool within this intricate nexus.