Special Issue: Global Networks: Volume 25, Issue 1

This review examines the distinct treatment of millions of displaced Ukrainians amidst the ongoing conflict, compared to previous refugee groups in Europe, presenting a synthesis of research encompassing traditional and grey literature. Evaluating resettlement processes, the analysis underscores the unique factors shaping Ukrainian refugees’ reception, shedding light on disparities compared to other refugee groups. Cultural perceptions, vulnerability, demographics and the framing of Russia as a common adversary influence responses from individuals, organizations and nations in unprecedented ways in Western societies. The discussion critically dissects these findings, proposing the concept of ‘promising victimhood’ for a nuanced understanding of differential treatment, while urging further theoretical development. This concise systematic review serves as a crucial benchmark for both academics and policymakers, emphasizing the need to address systemic injustices in refugee reception across various levels and sectors.

The experiences of displaced persons, currently particularly from Ukraine, are reflected in the concept of temporary protection as an immediate response to mass displacement. This article proposes a consideration of temporary protection from the perspective of ‘openness’, ‘in-betweenness’ and the various forms of insecurities in people’s lives in new societies and on their journeys. Refugees are connected in multi-layered networks along their routes; forced migration goes in all directions; therefore, fluidity, situational dependency and macro factors determine its dynamics. The empirical data on Ukrainian refugees in Slovenia and the consideration of the situation of Bosnian refugees in the period of the Yugoslav wars show a complex interplay of structural and individual factors that determine the position of temporarily protected persons in larger transnational networks. The article also reflects on the relational question of international protection from the perspective of ‘deservedness’ and hierarchies among different migrant groups.

This research investigates engagement for refugees within the German socio-political landscape. Following the arrival of one million forced migrants from Ukraine to Germany in 2022, we conducted two surveys on those who volunteered in support. The first was on general engagement (N = 2000) and the second was on individuals who provided homestay accommodation (N = 3682). Our analysis explores the driving motivations for different types of engagement, comparing individuals involved in political activities with those engaged in social-humanitarian activities. We find that value-based motivations impact both political and social-humanitarian engagement, with universalism driving political engagement and benevolence linked to social-humanitarian involvement. Further, differing motivations and types of engagement align with varying beliefs about the role of the state, suggesting that individuals engaged politically believe in increased state responsibility, contrasting with views held by socially engaged individuals. These findings are contextualized within the broader literature on engagement and migration regimes.

The Welfare System in the Face of War Refugees From Ukraine: The Experience of Social Workers in Poland

Ryszard Necel

This article explores the experiences of social workers in Poland assisting Ukrainian War refugees in the immediate aftermath of the Russian invasion in 2022. It adopts a ‘culture of disaster’ framework, positioning social workers as professionals responding to macro-level crises and disasters. The research is based on a quantitative survey (computer-assisted web interview [CAWI]) of social workers in municipalities with the highest refugee populations (N = 402). The article shows that the majority of social workers were primarily involved in an emergency response, focusing on meeting basic social needs. However, their involvement in social inclusion and advocacy was significantly less common. Social workers reported high levels of community support and valued working with local communities. The research highlights the challenges faced during the crisis, including professional overload, inadequate regulatory frameworks and the perception of local welfare centres as the only support structures for refugees.