The Refugee Paradox During Wartime in Europe: How Ukrainian and Afghan Refugees are (not) Alike

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in March 2022, Ukrainians have been displaced from their country in record pace and in massive numbers. Although some have been displaced within Ukraine, most have fled to Poland, Moldova, and other European countries. The European and American public’s reaction to these large refugee numbers has been overwhelmingly positive, with outpourings of humanitarianism and solidarity. This reaction stands in stark contrast with the apprehensive and rather negative reactions from Europeans toward Afghan refugees following the Taliban’s violent takeover in May 2021. In this IMR Dispatch from the Field, I reflect on the similarities and differences in reactions to Ukrainian refugees in the current crisis and Afghan refugees following the Taliban takeover in May 2021. Despite important similarities between these two refugee groups, there are, I argue, various reasons why the European and American public may feel closer to Ukrainian than Afghan refugees or why they perceive the former to be more deserving of aid. I highlight the role of symbolic threat, a conscience collective, and ethnicity. Furthermore, the looming fear of the aggressor in this conflict (Russia) may play a larger role in the European and American public’s reactions than in other refugee crises.