This book focuses on the socio-political problems that emanate from Western states' harsh deterrence policies in their responses to refugee crises. Using Australia’s own policy as a lens, it examines the ways in which isolated and separatist reactions not only deny protection and basic human rights for asylum seekers but also do nothing to address structurally enduring push factors.

Reflecting on a range of interconnected issues in migration research and asylum policy, this book draws on multidisciplinary insights and a mixed methodology to critically examine current assumptions underlying refugee policies both in Australia and internationally.