Who Are We Now? Citizenship, Civil Society, and the Multipolar New World Order
Detailed Synopsis:
In a podcast episode featuring Lord Alf Dubs, a prominent advocate for refugee rights, the discussion explores the complex relationship between individual acts of hospitality and the official policies of nation-states, particularly in the context of the UK. This topic is especially relevant as societies grapple with the challenges posed by increasing migration and the political rhetoric surrounding it.
Individual Hospitality vs. State Policies
Lord Dubs emphasises that while local communities in the UK have generally shown support for refugees and asylum seekers, this goodwill can be undermined by negative rhetoric from government officials. For instance, when a government minister refers to asylum seekers as "invaders", it creates a hostile environment that makes it more difficult for individuals to extend hospitality. This tension raises a critical question: how can individuals maintain their compassionate instincts in the face of official narratives that may be unwelcoming or even hostile?
Dubs argues that understanding the traumatic experiences that asylum seekers endure before arriving in the UK is essential for fostering community support. He shares poignant stories, such as that of a Syrian boy who witnessed his father's death in a bombing, to illustrate the dire circumstances that compel individuals to seek refuge. By humanising the refugee experience, Dubs believes that communities are more likely to respond with empathy and support.
The Role of Citizenship in a Multipolar World
As the conversation shifts to the concept of citizenship in a multipolar world, Dubs reflects on how national citizenship is evolving. He notes that the rise of right-wing political parties across Europe has led to a more hostile environment for asylum seekers, complicating the notion of what it means to be a citizen. In this context, the responsibilities of a global citizen—such as advocating for human rights and supporting those in need—become ever more significant.
Dubs argues that there should not be a conflict between obeying the law and advocating for change in a democracy. Citizens have the right to push for more humane policies, and it is the responsibility of politicians to listen to these voices. This dynamic is essential for ensuring that national policies embody the values of compassion and hospitality.
Community-Led Approaches to Refugee Support
The podcast also discusses the potential for community-led initiatives to provide more effective support for refugees. Dubs mentions the concept of community sponsorship, where local communities take an active role in supporting asylum seekers and refugees. This model not only fosters integration but also allows diversity to be seen as a strength rather than a source of division.
However, Dubs acknowledges the challenges posed by housing shortages and the backlog in asylum claims, which often result in refugees being housed in temporary accommodations like hotels. He advocates for quicker processing of asylum claims and a shift towards more sustainable, community-based solutions that empower refugees to integrate into society.
Ultimately, Who Are We Now? underscores a pivotal shift in the contemporary geopolitical landscape: the move from state-centric migration management to a more fragmented, yet morally driven, civil society response. Lord Dubs’ insights suggest that while the "multipolar new world order" may bring systemic instability and hardened borders, the resilience of citizenship lies in the "small-scale" acts of hospitality and community sponsorship.
The episode concludes that the future of the nation-state depends not on the height of its walls, but on the strength of its civil society. By bridging the gap between individual empathy and official policy, there is a pathway toward a definition of citizenship that is both locally grounded and globally responsible. In an era of rising rhetoric, the podcast serves as a vital reminder that humanising the "other" remains the most effective tool for democratic renewal and social cohesion.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:01:08 - Lord Alf Dubs' Background and Achievements
00:02:11 - The Role of Hospitality in Civil Society
00:03:15 - Tensions Between Individual Hospitality and State Policies
00:05:04 - The Changing Concept of Citizenship in a Multipolar World
00:07:58 - Moral Duty of a Citizen in a Democracy
00:09:07 - Impact of Immigration Policies on UK's Demographic and International Standing
00:13:02 - Community-Led Approaches to Refugee Housing
00:16:03 - The Situation in Gaza and Its Implications
00:18:06 - Labour Party's Shift in Immigration Policy
00:20:10 - Citizenship Stripping and Its Implications
00:22:17 - The Principle of "Once British, Always British"
00:25:01 - The Use of Hostile Language in Politics
00:29:32 - What Keeps Lord Dubs Awake at Night
00:31:04 - The Need for International Collaboration on Asylum Policies
00:34:11 - Conclusion and Future Episodes
Resources & Mentions:
In this episode, we referenced Antony Loewenstein’s book The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World. We also highlighted the contribution of Dr Maria Chamberlain, who joined our genocide series in 2024 with her podcast Genocide: Why It Is Important to Bear Witness, underscoring the importance of testimony in confronting atrocity.