Rise Of Conservatism Vs. Plights Of Displaced People: A Global Reckoning
- IJLLR Journal
- Sep 29
- 2 min read
Adv. Abhirami P, Bharata Mata School of Legal Studies, Aluva
Adv. Susmitha M, Bharata Mata School of Legal Studies, Aluva
Adv. Aiswarya CK, Bharata Mata school of legal Studies, Aluva
ABSTRACT
In recent years, the rise of conservative ideologies across the globe has significantly influenced immigration policies, humanitarian aid, and public perception of displaced people. As nationalist movements gain momentum, governments have increasingly adopted restrictive immigration policies, closed borders, and reduced asylum protections, often framing migration as a threat to national security and cultural identity. At the same time, millions of refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) continue to flee war, persecution, and climate-induced displacement, only to face growing hostility in their host countries. This paper critically examines the intersection between the resurgence of conservative policies and the worsening plight of displaced populations, highlighting the legal, political, and social ramifications of this dynamic. Through case studies from the United States, Europe, and Asia, this research explores how populist rhetoric has shaped refugee policies and the broader discourse surrounding migration. In countries like the U.S. and the U.K., for instance, right- wing parties have pushed for stricter border controls, deportation policies, and reductions in refugee quotas, citing economic and security concerns. Similarly, European nations have witnessed rising nationalist sentiments that have fuelled anti- immigration legislation and xenophobic movements. Meanwhile, in Asia, governments such as India and Myanmar have adopted exclusionary policies that further marginalize vulnerable communities. The role of media and political propaganda in shaping public attitudes toward displaced populations is also analysed, demonstrating how fear-driven narratives contribute to policy stagnation and social division. This paper further evaluates the ethical and legal implications of such policies, questioning whether national security concerns should override humanitarian obligations under international law. It argues that while states have the right to enforce sovereign borders, they must also adhere to global human rights frameworks, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By proposing alternative policy frameworks that balance national interests with international responsibilities, this research calls for a more equitable approach to refugee management—one that acknowledges the dignity and rights of displaced people while addressing legitimate security concerns. In an era of rising conservatism, rethinking global refugee policies is not just a necessity but a moral imperative.
Keywords: Conservatism, Refugee Policy, Displacement, Nationalism, Immigration Law, Human Rights, Populism, Sovereignty
