Terrorists at the border - On refugees and the war on terror. What is the relation between immigration and terrorism?

The growing hostility against immigrants around the world has brought about the debate on immigration and borders back to the core of moral and political philosophy. Immigrants are often accused of stealing jobs, distorting national identity, burdening welfare systems, increasing domestic criminality, spreading infectious diseases and threatening national security.

Recently, the Paris attacks and the Cologne assaults together with the ongoing refugee crisis have contributed considerably to increase hatred towards immigrants. In the aftermath of such events, the fear of terrorism is being exploited to stir up anti-immigration discourses and attitudes.

In politics, this mindset is causing the rise of the influence of far-right organizations and parties with racist ideologies. The Swiss People’s Party, the Progress Party in Norway, the Finns Party, The New Flemish Alliance and the Sweden Democrats are examples of parties basing their claims substantially on anti-immigration rhetoric. In civil society, this mindset is feeding the formation of radical gangs patrolling the streets of many cities such as the “Soldiers of Odin” versus the “Soldiers of Allah”.

• What are the consequences of using the fear of terrorism to stir up anti-immigration discourses and attitudes in civil society?
• Do immigrants and refugees pose a threat to national security?
• Is it justifiable to respond to the threat of terrorism with terrorism?

We invite you to explore these and other questions during a conversation with Melina Duarte. The conversation will be in English, but questions and comments can be made in both English and Norwegian.

The event is public, free of charge and everyone is welcome!

Skarven bar
Saturday 5 March 2016
11:15 - 13:00