Grotius and migration: non-securitisation in the Netherlands

Abstract

When looking at the influx of migration over the last years, the behaviour of the Netherlands is that of a small state. Where some countries in the EU securitise migration, the Dutch position is one that can partially be explained through its historical emphasis on human rights in its foreign policy. The overwhelming majority of the political parties and public opinion see the need to find a humane solution to the challenges related to migration, and this prevents the securitisation of the issue. To show this, party manifestos and official government statements about this highly politicised issue will be presented and analysed.