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Afghans in Europe: From Victimhood to Activism?
- Authors: Novikova O.N1
-
Affiliations:
- INION RAS
- Issue: No 1 (129) (2025)
- Pages: 164-174
- Section: ПРОБЛЕМЫ МИГРАЦИИ
- URL: https://journal-vniispk.ru/0201-7083/article/view/292070
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.31857/S0201708325010139
- ID: 292070
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Abstract
The article adresses the main characteristics and reveals the peculiarities of the Afghan diaspora in Europe. It examines the period after the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan in August 2021. The life activities of Afghan migrants are examined through the lens of the theory of victimhood. The significance of the past and victim status has increased the cohesion of the Afghan diaspora in Europe and led to its mobilization. The article presents a model of moral typecasting of Afghans, where entire segments of Afghan society are represented as “moral patients”: women and girls, Hazaras, former collaborators during the period of foreign presence and refugees. At the same time, members of Afghan diaspora organizations appear as “good moral agents”, often acquiring this status when moving from the category of “moral patients”. The paper reveals a mismatch between the goals of Afghan diaspora organizations and the host states of the European Union. There is dissatisfaction among Afghan immigrants with the EU policy, the main objective of which is not to integrate Afghans into European society, but to return them to their homeland. The article points out the reasons why the return of a significant number of Afghans to the country of origin seems unrealistic. At the same time, it is noted that members of the Afghan diaspora have an inseparable spiritual connection with their homeland. It seems that if socio-cultural integration of some Afghan diaspora members into the European society takes place, it is only with parallel engagement in the affairs of the country of origin.
About the authors
O. N Novikova
INION RAS
Email: inionnovikova@gmail.com
Ph.D. In History, Leading researcher Head of the Department of Europe and America Moscow, Russia
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