The Weaponization of Migration – the Cases of Turkey and Belarus
The Weaponization of Migration – the Cases of Turkey and Belarus

Summary/Abstract: The article explores how migration has been securitized in the European Union, particularly after the 2015 migrant crisis, and how this securitization creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited by third countries. By framing migration as an existential security threat, the EU and its member states have institutionalized extraordinary measures such as stricter border controls and militarization. This environment enables external actors to use migration as a political weapon. The study analyzes two cases: Turkey, which successfully leveraged migration flows to secure financial and political concessions from the EU, and Belarus, which attempted to pressure the EU through orchestrated migrant flows but largely failed to achieve its objectives. Overall, the research concludes that the weaponization of migration poses significant risks for the EU, highlighting the need for stronger policies to deter such strategies.

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