Why do similar postcommunist states respond differently to refugees? Why do some states privilege certain refugee groups, while other states do not? This book presents a theory to account for this puzzle, and it centers on the role of the politics of nation-building and of the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). A key finding of the book is that when the boundaries of a nation are contested (and thus there is no consensus on which group should receive preferential treatment in state policies), a political space for a receptive and nondiscriminatory refugee policy opens up. The book speaks to the broader questions of how nationalism matters after communism and under what conditions and through what mechanisms international actors can influence domestic polices. The analysis is based on extensive primary research the author conducted in four languages in the Czech Republic, Poland, Russia and Ukraine.

Winner, 2010–2011 Best Book Prize, American Association of Ukrainian Studies

“This nuanced account of immigration policy in Eastern Europe shows how crucibles of nationalism can, in the presence of vigorous political contestation, produce liberal and inclusive policies. Shevel’s meticulously researched analysis will be of interest to students and scholars of Eastern Europe and should attract the attention of policymakers and participants in debates about immigration on both sides of the Atlantic.”
– Jessica Pisano, University of Ottawa

“Shevel has broken new ground in how we should understand the relationship between nationalism and how states treat migrants and refugees. Her impressive case studies, drawing on original sources in four languages plus English, also bring important lessons for how international organizations might best promote progressive domestic policy change.”
– Henry Hale, The George Washington University

“Oxana Shevel has written an engaging book that breaks new theoretical and empirical ground. Based on meticulous fieldwork and careful comparisons, she develops a clear and compelling argument that accounts for why post-communist states vary widely in terms of their receptivity to refugees. This book makes important contributions to the fields of post-communist studies, migration, and nationalism.”
– Marc Morjé Howard, Georgetown University

“Shevel’s book not only expands our understanding of national building within post-communist regimes, it highlights the need for new interdisciplinary discussions concerning the interpretations of core analytical terms such as refugee, citizenship, and ethnicity. In exploring four unique national paths in the development and institutionalization of refugee policies, she provides richly detailed insights into how post-communist regimes negotiate adherence to international standards and relate to intergovernmental agencies such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), while balancing internal political concerns, future international ambitions, and the complex weight of history. Providing needed insight into global issues of refugee recognition, integrating a masterful review of literatures, and in-depth fieldwork in the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine and the Russian Federation, this is a valuable work of timely interest to economists, sociologists and demographers.”
– Cynthia J. Buckley, University of Texas, Austin; Program Director, The Social Science Research Council