Greg Burgess Books

The book delves into the evolving attitudes toward refugees in contemporary France, analyzing the interplay of legal, intellectual, political, and social factors. It addresses pivotal questions surrounding the natural human right to asylum and the debate over whether refugee policy should be governed by national authorities or international agreements. Through this exploration, the work highlights the complexities and challenges faced in shaping France's refugee policies over time.

The book explores France's evolving response to refugees from 1944 to 1995, analyzing the nation's commitment to its 1946 constitutional promise of asylum. It highlights the influx of refugees from various regions, including Eastern Europe and Latin America, during periods of post-war development and labor demand. However, the economic challenges of the 1970s and the arrival of refugees from Asia and Africa prompted a shift towards national priorities, raising critical questions about France's ability to uphold its asylum commitments amidst growing crises.