Analyzing Pushback Policies and Their Consequences at the Poland- Belarus Frontier

Abstract

The research present provides an in-depth analysis of the humanitarian crisis along the Poland-Belarus border, spanning from August 2021 up until the present. The conflict, marked by cases of pushback, disappearances, and charges of abuse by authorities, has resulted in inadequate conditions for migrants, particularly women, children, and people with disabilities. The research emphasizes Belarus and Russia's role in aggravating the crisis, portraying it in terms of hybrid warfare and regional power conflicts. It analyzes the deployment of Russian-linked mercenaries in Belarus, as well as the strategic significance of the Suwalki Gap, with a focus on the potential ramifications for NATO-Russia ties. Through an in-depth analysis of pushback policies and their legal, humanitarian, and geopolitical components, the research emphasizes the critical need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both border security imperatives and basic humanitarian values. Through the realist perspective, the study emphasizes how states prioritize national security and geopolitical interests, often at the expense of humanitarian concerns. This research advocates for adherence to international legal principles, strong human rights protection, and proactive diplomatic involvement to properly address the issue.