The Coercive Use of Migration on the Southern Border of the European Union: A Case Study of the Melilla Crisis 2022

Abstract

This research paper investigates the concept of coercive engineered migration in the march 2022 Melilla crisis, focusing on the intricate interdependencies that exist between Spain and Morocco. Spain endeavours to uphold amicable relations, whereas Morocco strategically employs irregular migration as a political and geostrategic instrument to attain advantages. This study is grounded in a comprehensive examination of relevant scholarly literature pertaining to the instrumentalization of migration and the cooperation between Spain and Morocco in the context of migration. Additionally, it draws upon Kelly Greenhill's theory of 'Coercive Engineered Migration'. By conducting a historical examination of the bilateral relations, it becomes evident that the relationship between the two nations is characterised by recurring crises and the utilisation of migration as a strategic tool. This study employs a comprehensive case study approach and a rigorous methodology for theory development and hypothesis testing. The findings provide evidence suggesting that the Melilla crisis was a deliberate and coercive event orchestrated by Morocco. The primary objective of this orchestrated crisis was to exert pressure on Spain and influence its stance of neutrality regarding the Western Sahara issue. The corroboration...