Liminal Boundaries and Vulnerabilities to Radicalisation in the Context of Securitisation of Migration

This thesis examines the systemic securitisation of migration, the production of liminality and associated vulnerabilities to radicalisation in a refugee camp context against a global backdrop. The camp has been conceived as a total institution that presents forms of physical, mental and other expressions of encampment inimical to freedoms. As such, three interlocking formulations of encampment, which is a measure of securitisation, arise. The first manifestation of encampment arises from the practice of the interminable spatial confinement of refugees in developing countries that has resulted in what is technically known as Protracted Refugee Situations (PRS). The second expression is the onshore and offshore immigration detention system in Western countries. The third manifestation of encampment is symbolic and constitutes the self or externally imposed patterns of settlement in migrant enclaves in developed and developing countries. In recent times, international migration has provoked concerns over insecurity in refugee-hosting states. Beyond the animated public discourse, the tenor of securitisation has further necessitated the use of extraordinary means of refugee containment that include confinement in ‘camps’. Indeed, some camps have become politicised and militarised spaces where sections of refugee populations have developed extreme views and exerted political influence in their homelands and host states. Encampment therefore not only presents humanitarian concerns but also raises significant security challenges for host states and beyond. The thesis examines vulnerabilities to radicalisation in a camp environment that closely interacts with the global system. The Somali protracted refugee situation at Dadaab Refugee Complex in Kenya, the thesis case study, is an archetype of encampment. The elusive actualisation of durable solutions to the Somali refugee problem has placed them in a state of limbo, technically referred to as the liminal state. The thesis traces the historical roots of conflict and forced displacement in Somalia. Further, the study traces the Somali migration trajectory from the homeland to the first host state, Kenya, and concludes the journey in the third countries of resettlement in the West. The research further employs a broad-brush approach and provides examples from other camps and countries to complement the case study and advance its arguments. It is argued that the conditions in a camp in concert with latent ‘external’ factors present sources of vulnerability to radicalisation, particularly in contexts in which polarisation, terrorism and other forms of political violence are already prevalent. It is further argued that as intersubjective constructs, securitisation may create vulnerabilities to radicalisation while radicalisation may expand opportunities for securitisation. Significantly, radicalisation in the context of migration does not occur in a vacuum but in a synergistic dynamic that summons a range of actors and drivers in securitised speech-act. By examining the interface of pre-encampment, encampment and post-encampment, the thesis demonstrates that the camp is a social entity that interacts with other systems. Notably, the continued adoption of ahistorical and reductionist approaches in the analysis of radicalisation in migrant contexts, and in counter-terrorism remain void as long as broader contextual factors and actors in other sub-systems that drive radicalisation are neglected. In adopting this approach, the research addresses the gap of technological advancements, ahistoricity and broader-context reductionism in dominant scholarship on radicalisation among refugees. The thesis’ contribution is therefore the development of an analytical framework that examines the dynamic and evolutionary character of deep-rooted structural drivers of radicalisation. The inter-subjective construction of radicalisation – of the refugee – in public space, constitutes another important contribution.Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Social Sciences, 201

Factors influencing implementation of the Ministry of Health-led private medicine retailer programmes on malaria in Kenya

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Kenya has experienced a number of retail sector initiatives aimed at improving access to antimalarial medicines. This study explored stakeholders' perceptions of the role of private medicine retailers (PMRs), the value and feasibility of programme goals, perceived programme impact, factors influencing implementation and recommendations in three districts of Kenya.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This study was part of a larger evaluation of PMR programmes, including quantitative and qualitative components. The qualitative research was conducted to assess implementation processes and actors' experiences in the programmes, through focus group discussions with trained PMRs and mothers of children under five years, and in-depth interviews with programme managers, trainers and co-trainers.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>PMRs were perceived to provide rapid cheap treatment for non-serious conditions and used as a deliberate and continuously evaluated choice between different treatment sources. All stakeholders supported programme goals and most PMRs described increased customer satisfaction, more rational purchasing of medicine stock and increased medicine sales after participation. Factors undermining programme implementation included a lack of MoH resources to train and monitor large numbers of PMRs, the relative instability of outlets, medicines stocked and retail personnel, the large number of proprietary brands and financial challenges to retailers in stocking antimalarial medicines, and their customers in buying them. Unambiguous national support and a broad range of strategies are important to strengthen the feasibility of change in OTC antimalarial use.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Understanding the context and implementation processes of PMR programmes and the perspectives of key actors are critical to identifying measures to support their effective implementation. Financial barriers underlie many described challenges, with important implications for policies on subsidies in this sector. In spite of barriers to implementation, increased exposure to programme activities promoted trust and improved relationships between PMRs and their clients and trainers, strengthening feasibility of such interventions. Public information can strengthen PMR training programmes by engaging local communities and may facilitate performance monitoring of PMRs by their clients.</p

International Dynamics of Internal Conflict The Role of Slavery in the Liberian Conflict (1820 to 2003)

A Thesis Submitted to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters of Arts in International Relations

Combining qualitative and quantitative research within mixed method research designs: a methodological review

Objectives It has been argued that mixed methods research can be useful in nursing and health science because of the complexity of the phenomena studied. However, the integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches continues to be one of much debate and there is a need for a rigorous framework for designing and interpreting mixed methods research. This paper explores the analytical approaches (i.e. parallel, concurrent or sequential) used in mixed methods studies within healthcare and exemplifies the use of triangulation as a methodological metaphor for drawing inferences from qualitative and quantitative findings originating from such analyses. Design This review of the literature used systematic principles in searching CINAHL, Medline and PsycINFO for healthcare research studies which employed a mixed methods approach and were published in the English language between January 1999 and September 2009. Results In total, 168 studies were included in the results. Most studies originated in the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada. The analytic approach most widely used was parallel data analysis. A number of studies used sequential data analysis; far fewer studies employed concurrent data analysis. Very few of these studies clearly articulated the purpose for using a mixed methods design. The use of the methodological metaphor of triangulation on convergent, complementary, and divergent results from mixed methods studies is exemplified and an example of developing theory from such data is provided. Conclusion A trend for conducting parallel data analysis on quantitative and qualitative data in mixed methods healthcare research has been identified in the studies included in this review. Using triangulation as a methodological metaphor can facilitate the integration of qualitative and quantitative findings, help researchers to clarify their theoretical propositions and the basis of their results. This can offer a better understanding of the links between theory and empirical findings, challenge theoretical assumptions and develop new theory

Beginning community engagement at a busy biomedical research programme: Experiences from the KEMRI CGMRC-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya

There is wide acknowledgement of the need for community engagement in biomedical research, particularly in international settings. Recent debates have described theoretical approaches to identifying situations where this is most critical and potential mechanisms to achieve it. However, there is relatively little published experience of community engagement in practice. A major component of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Wellcome Trust Research Programme is centred on Kilifi District General Hospital and surrounding community of 240,000 local residents. Documented community perceptions of the research centre are generally positive, but many indicate a low understanding of research and therapeutic misconceptions of its activities. As in other settings, these misunderstandings have contributed to concerns and rumours, and potentially undermine ethical aspects of research and local trust in the institution. Through a series of consultative activities, a community engagement strategy has been developed in Kilifi to strengthen mutual understanding between community members and the Centre. One important component is the establishment of a representative local resident network in different geographic locations commonly involved in research, to supplement existing communication channels. Early implementation of the strategy has provided new and diverse opportunities for dialogue, interaction and partnership building. Through the complex social interactions inherent in the community engagement strategy, the centre aims to build context specific ethical relations with local residents and to strengthen understanding of how ethical principles can be applied in practice. Evaluations over time will assess the effectiveness and sustainability of these strategies, provide generalisable information for similar research settings, and contribute to debates on the universality of ethical principles for research. This paper aims to summarise the rationale for community engagement in research, drawing on published literature and local findings, to outline the process of community engagement in Kilifi and to describe issues emerging from its development and early implementation