Arguing about asylum: the complexity of refugee debates in Europe

While the general idea that politically persecuted people ought to receive asylum is widely accepted, the source of the controversy lies in the details. What precisely constitutes "political persecution?" How can an asylum application be judged fairly?

To what extent should domestic constraints influence asylum decisions? These are all difficult questions that bring to light the complex mix of political, cultural, moral, legal, economic, and ideological motives that shape asylum policies in Europe.