{"id":7019,"date":"2026-05-19T00:06:50","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T00:06:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cisanewsletter.com\/?p=7019"},"modified":"2026-05-19T10:47:07","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T10:47:07","slug":"human-ammunition-the-rise-of-weaponized-migration-in-the-21st-century","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cisanewsletter.com\/index.php\/human-ammunition-the-rise-of-weaponized-migration-in-the-21st-century\/","title":{"rendered":"Human Ammunition: The rise of weaponized migration in the 21st Century"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Migration, a historical human trait, has become a complex and pressing global issue. Its diverse and evolving motivations mean migratory populations significantly influence the economic, political, and social agendas of states, international organisations and civil society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Migration frequently transcends international borders, with migrants often returning to their home countries. This long-standing human activity now sees approximately 281 million international migrants globally, comprising 3.6% of the world&#8217;s population (World Migration Report, 2022).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The free movement of persons constitutes one element within a broader nexus of complex challenges, intricately linked with issues of terrorism and territorial security. Additionally it combines the imperative of safeguarding fundamental human rights, &nbsp;on governments and the requirement for host nations to take adaptive improvements aimed at optimizing demographic management within their states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In recent years the deliberate deployment of population movements across international borders as a means of influencing neighboring states has emerged as a discernible geopolitical phenomenon. Specifically, \u201cweaponized migration\u201d refers to a situation in which state or non-state actors intentionally generate, impede, and manipulate population inflows or outflows with the view of achieving political, economic, and military strategic aims (Greenhill, 2010).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Historically, migratory movements have been attributed to factors such as climate shifts, the pursuit of enhanced resources, and armed conflicts. Conversely, the phenomenon of weaponized migration involves the instrumentalization of human populations as a strategic tool to destabilize or extract concessions from targeted states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The concept of weaponized migration is not unprecedented; historically, its manifestations have been observed during periods of conflict and warfare, notably exemplified during the Second World War. However, the modalities of its implementation have evolved and diversified over time, largely attributable to advancements in technology and the pervasive effects of globalization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Determinant of weaponized migration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thenotion of weaponizing migration encompasses diverse situations where various actors employ migration as a means of coercion. States including Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Libya, and Morocco, for example, have strategically deployed the threat of unregulated migration leverage over the European Union, with objectives such as securing concessions and retaliating against sanctions (Banulescu-Bogdan, 2026).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Multiple factors contribute to the strategic use of migration. These elements are deliberately employed by nations as a tactic to pressure and influence a target country. Key determinants are outlined below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Climate change: <\/strong>Climate change is increasingly acknowledged as a substantial impetus behind global migratory dynamics. Concomitant with rising global temperatures, the incidence of extreme meteorological phenomena intensifies, resulting in profound disruptions to livelihoods and subsequent population displacement (Thoma, 2024). Nevertheless, certain nation-states may strategically instrumentalize these crises, employing displaced populations or migrants as a vector for destabilizing contiguous territories or as leverage in multilateral diplomatic engagements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Economic disparities<\/strong>: Individuals typically engage in migration with the primary objective of maximizing their income and enhancing their standard of living, frequently seeking elevated wages, superior employment opportunities, and more robust social security provisions. In light of these migratory drivers, nation-states may endeavor to leverage the economic potential of migrant populations. Such efforts can involve the strategic incentivization of cross-border migration, reportedly with the aims of destabilizing rival countries and redirecting attention from domestic economic challenges. (Turrell, 2025)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Political leverage<\/strong>: States frequently employ the threatened prospect of mass migration as a coercive instrument to compel a targeted state to modify its conduct, provide financial assistance, or rescind sanctions. A salient illustration involves Belarus, which has reportedly instrumentalised migrant flows towards the European Union as a retaliatory measure against imposed sanctions. Moreover, the deployment of weaponized migration can exert significant influence over the domestic political landscape of a targeted state by reinforcing nativist political factions, eroding the legitimacy of incumbent governments, and fragmenting alliance solidarity (Miholjcic, 2022).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Military leverage<\/strong>: Weaponized migration destabilizes target regions, serving as a key component of hybrid warfare. This practice, often called strategically engineered migration, exploits the vulnerabilities of displaced populations to pressure adversaries. Migration functions as a &#8220;grey zone&#8221; tactic, designed to inflict harm without escalating to overt conflict. By deliberately directing migrant flows, hostile actors seek to fragment alliances, exacerbate societal tensions, and undermine public trust in the target government.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Significant case studies in the 21<sup>st<\/sup> century<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the 21st century, weaponized migration has evolved into a primary tool of hybrid warfare used to overwhelm the administrative capacity of target states to cause political division. Below are the most significant cases identified in recent years:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Greek-Turkish Border (2020)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Turkey frequently used its role as a host for millions of refugees to negotiate with the European Union, particularly in early 2020. Amid escalating tensions in Idlib, Syria, and increased border pressure, Turkey declared in February 2020 that it would no longer prevent refugees from reaching Europe. Authorities reportedly bussed thousands to the Greek Evros border, leading to clashes (Sadhbh, 2021). This action aimed to secure more EU financial aid and support for Turkey\u2019s military operations in northern Syria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Belarus-European Union Border Confrontation (2021-Present)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This exemplifies state-sponsored weaponized migration. Following Western sanctions, Belarus simplified visa requirements for Middle Eastern and African citizens. State-owned agencies flew migrants to Minsk, where Belarusian forces then escorted them to the Polish, Lithuanian, and Latvian borders, often providing tools to cut fences and preventing their return (Christiani et al.., 2024). The aim was to compel the EU to lift sanctions and penalize it for supporting the Belarusian opposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Russia&#8217;s involvement with the &#8220;Arctic Passage&#8221; during 2015\u20132016 and 2023\u20132024.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Russia has used its northern borders to pressure NATO-aligned neighbors. It first facilitated thousands of asylum seekers&#8217; entry into Norway and Finland, a perceived response to Nordic sanctions after Crimea&#8217;s annexation. Following Finland&#8217;s 2024 NATO accession, Russia again facilitated hundreds of migrants&#8217; arrival at Finnish borders, prompting Finland to close all road crossings (Hover Institution, 2024).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Morocco and the Ceuta Enclave in 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A diplomatic dispute between Morocco and Spain triggered a migratory influx after Spain admitted Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali for COVID-19 treatment. Morocco then eased border controls, allowing 8,000 to 10,000 individuals into the Spanish enclave within 48 hours (Al Jazeera, 2021). This action conveyed Morocco&#8217;s dissatisfaction over the Western Sahara dispute and aimed to pressure Spain to re-evaluate its stance on the region&#8217;s sovereignty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Surge of Migrants in West Africa<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In West Africa, migration is woven into the daily realities of many communities. While millions move, either seasonally or permanently toward rural or urban centres and, in some cases, across national borders, equally significant numbers aspire to migrate or depend on remittances sent by migrants to sustain their livelihoods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>West Africa, in particular, cannot be excluded from discussions on weaponize migration. The ECOWAS principle of free movement has made it comparatively easier for people to cross borders with fewer restrictions. Notably, in contexts such as Ghana and Nigeria, citizens of neighbouring states often travel and settle in each others countries without major impediments. However, these relatively open cross-border dynamics have also been exploited in ways that have contributed to rising criminality, erode border security, and strain both economic and security systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For many migrants, the primary motivation is the pursuit of economic opportunities and a more favourable environment for work and survival. Yet insecurity in many West African states is a driving force behind displacement and migration decisions. The activities of groups such as Boko Haram and JNIM, along with other rebel and terrorist networks, have pushed people to abandon familiar surroundings in search of safer and more stable prospects elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When individuals cross porous borders at speed, it becomes increasingly difficult for national authorities to monitor potentially suspicious flows\u2014particularly when identity documents are not assessed with consistent rigor. In some instances, criminals and armed groups exploit the very corridors used by ordinary traders, farmers, and displaced families, eroding the practical distinction between lawful migration and deliberate infiltration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now the challenge lies in upholding the ECOWAS principle of the free movement of persons while safeguarding security across borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Ethical and Humanitarian Repercussions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The instrumentalization of people as weapons for state objectives constitutes a profound ethical crisis, violating their liberty and fundamental rights. These actions profoundly impact migrants and impose significant consequences on target countries (Peerboom, 2022). This discussion will detail the ethical and humanitarian implications for both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The ethical predicament of the target state<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>International law mandates nations to protect refugees from forced return to dangerous territories. Failure to comply jeopardizes democracy and legal systems. Allowing weaponized migration risks empowering aggressors and stimulating exploitation. States face a dilemma: uphold humanitarian duties or secure borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Erosion of legal and ethical standards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Viewing migration as aggression shifts policies from humanitarian to militarized. This justifies emergency laws, such as restricting asylum, a trend seen in many EU border nations. Continuous exposure to manipulated crises diminishes host society empathy. Simultaneously, public narratives shift from individual hardship to framing migrants as security risks, leading to greater acceptance of stringent policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cruel treatment of the migrants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Migrants are systematically relegated from their status as rights-bearing individuals to mere instruments within geopolitical maneuvering. Their displacement is deliberately orchestrated to elicit specific political responses, rather than to genuinely address their fundamental requirements for safety or opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The instrumentalization of migration extends beyond a mere geopolitical tactic; it embodies a profound moral emergency. It strips individuals of their inherent dignity, undermines the foundations of international law, diminishes human empathy, and confronts democratic systems with intractable ethical dilemmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Response strategies by the European Union<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Addressing the phenomenon of weaponized migration necessitates a multifaceted strategy, integrating enhanced border security, diplomatic pressure, and robust legal mechanisms, to counteract state-sponsored exploitation of migrant populations. In 2024, the European Commission put forth a series of proposals aimedat bolstering border security and mitigating hybrid threats. The following strategies were outlined:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reinforce the EU\u2019s policy framework and practical support. <\/strong>The European Union has implemented measures against migrant instrumentalization in Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. To strengthen border surveillance with Russia and Belarus, the EU is allocating \u20ac170 million. This funding will improve electronic surveillance, telecommunication infrastructure, mobile detection, and countering unauthorized drones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Discuss the challenges and security threats facing the EU\u2019s land borders with Russia and Belarus. <\/strong>The European Commission will assist Member States in preventing the instrumentalization of European principles and values, including the right to asylum, by Russia and Belarus to undermine the European Union.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enhance collaboration with the EU and member states. <\/strong>The affected EU countries are invited to cooperate closely with the EU and other EU countries to ensure the consistency and effectiveness of any related action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Establish the legal framework<\/strong>. EU member states are legally bound to secure external borders and uphold fundamental rights. In response to hybrid threats and per EU treaties, they may implement national measures impacting fundamental rights, such as asylum. These measures must be exceptional, temporary, proportionate, and apply only to specific cases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The evolving global landscape and shifting patterns of international interaction have seen the emergence of weaponized migration as a form of hybrid warfare. This strategy is purportedly employed by certain states to achieve political, economic, and military objectives without direct armed conflict. A critical and concerning dimension of this phenomenon is the dehumanization of individuals, who are treated as instruments or commodities, thereby disregarding their fundamental human rights. Addressing this challenge necessitates the implementation of comprehensive measures designed to mitigate the prevalence of weaponized migration. Furthermore, the formulation of legal frameworks to deter and penalize the practice of weaponized migration is imperative. The efficacy and enforceability of such legislation are contingent upon robust international cooperation, particularly through the establishment of stringent migration agreements aimed at preventing irregular migratory movements. Moreover, across West Africa, ECOWAS and its member states must bolster intelligence-sharing mechanisms and strengthen coordinated border management. This should include harmonized procedures for document verification, the implementation of systematic biometric registration where feasible, and swift, real-time communication among immigration authorities, police units, and the military.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Crucially, all countermeasures implemented must adhere rigorously to established human rights standards, including the principles of non-refoulement and ensuring access to asylum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Hover Institution, 2024. Weaponization of migration: A powerful instrument in the Russia hybrid toolbox, the caravan. Retrieved from<strong>&nbsp; <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hoover.org\/research\/weaponization-migration-powerful-instrument-russias-hybrid-toolbox\">https:\/\/www.hoover.org\/research\/weaponization-migration-powerful-instrument-russias-hybrid-toolbox<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Georgiana Florentina Tataru, 2020. Migration\u2014an Overview on Terminology, Causes, and Effects. ResearchGate. Retrieved from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.researchgate.net\">http:\/\/www.researchgate.net<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kelly Greenhill, 2010. Weapons of Mass Migration: Forced Displacement as an Instrument of Coercion; Strategic Insights. The NPS Institutional Archive DSpace Repository. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.armyupress.army.mil\/Portals\/7\/Hot%20Spots\/Documents\/Immigration\/Greenhill-Migration\">https:\/\/www.armyupress.army.mil\/Portals\/7\/Hot%20Spots\/Documents\/Immigration\/Greenhill-Migration<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Natalia Banulescu-Bogdan, 2026. Weaponized migration: A security risk to Europe and the United Nations. Migration policy institute. Retrieved from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.migrationpolicy.org\">http:\/\/www.migrationpolicy.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Joana Thoma Koci, 2024. Climate change and forced migration. European Journal of Economics, Law, and Social Sciences. Retrieved from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.researchgate,net\">http:\/\/www.researchgate.net<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Major Luke Turrell, 2025. The weaponization of migration: A clear and present danger for the UK. Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflicts Research. Retrieved from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.chacr.org\">http:\/\/www.chacr.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cala Gibson, 2025. Migration as a political instrument: The hidden strategy of securitization. The organization for world peace. Retrieved from <a href=\"http:\/\/theowp.org\">http:\/\/theowp.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nina Miholjcic, 2022. Migration as an instrument of modern political warfare: Cases of Turkey, Morocco, and Belarus. Jean Monnet Network on EU law enforcement. Retrieved from <a href=\"http:\/\/jmn-eulen.nl\">http:\/\/jmn-eulen.nl<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>University of Oxford, 2025. Wicked challenges in migration management: weaponization, politicization, and hostile influence operations. Refugee Studies Centre. Retrieved from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.rsc.ox.ac.uk\">http:\/\/www.rsc.ox.ac.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Felix Peerboom, 2022. Protecting border or individual rights? A comparative due process right and analysis of EU and member state responses to weaponized migration. Retrieved from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.europeanpapers.eu\">www.europeanpapers.eu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>European Commission, 2024. The commission proposes measures to strengthen border security and counter hybrid threats. Retrieved from <a href=\"http:\/\/commission.europa.eu\">http:\/\/commission.europa.eu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>European Agency Union for Fundamental Rights, 2025. Countering the instrumentalization of migrants and refugees and respecting fundamental rights. Retrieved from <a href=\"http:\/\/fra.europa.eu\">http:\/\/fra.europa.eu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Safira Christiani, Elyta, Azzomarayosra Wicaksono, 2024. The Role of the European Union in the Refugee Crisis on the Belarusian Border\u2014European Union in 2021-2022. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Approach Research and Science. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/\">https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sadhbh O\u2019Malley, 2021. The Weaponization of Population Movements on the Greek-Turkish Border Zone. Radboud Educational repository. Retrieved from <a href=\"http:\/\/thesis,ubn.ru.nl\">http:\/\/thesis.ubn.ru.nl<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aljezeera, 2021. A humanitarian crisis unfolds in a Spanish enclave after hundreds of unaccompanied minors cross from Morocco. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/news\/2021\/5\/20\/hundreds-of-children-stranded-at-spanish-enclave-of-ceuta\">Hundreds of children stranded at Spanish enclave of Ceuta | Migration News | Al Jazeera<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction Migration, a historical human trait, has become a complex and pressing global issue. Its diverse and evolving motivations mean migratory populations significantly influence the economic, political, and social agendas of states, international organisations and civil society. Migration frequently transcends international borders, with migrants often returning to their home countries. This long-standing human activity now [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7022,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"0","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":{"format":"standard"},"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"jnews_review":[],"enable_review":"","type":"","name":"","summary":"","brand":"","sku":"","good":[],"bad":[],"score_override":"","override_value":"","rating":[],"price":[],"jnews_override_counter":[],"jnews_post_split":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[183],"tags":[265,308,314],"class_list":["post-7019","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-analysts","tag-265","tag-5th-edition-2026","tag-may-week3"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Human Ammunition: The rise of weaponized migration in the 21st Century - CISA NEWSLETTER<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cisanewsletter.com\/index.php\/human-ammunition-the-rise-of-weaponized-migration-in-the-21st-century\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Human Ammunition: The rise of weaponized migration in the 21st Century - CISA NEWSLETTER\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Introduction Migration, a historical human trait, has become a complex and pressing global issue. Its diverse and evolving motivations mean migratory populations significantly influence the economic, political, and social agendas of states, international organisations and civil society. Migration frequently transcends international borders, with migrants often returning to their home countries. 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