“Weaponization” of the Narrative about Migrants of Global South

articulating concepts and effects

Abstract

In recent decades, forced migrations have gained international relevance, often being manipulated as a political tool by governments of various regimes. The "weaponization" of migrants refers to the instrumentalization of migratory flows to achieve coercive, political, or economic goals, rather than treating these individuals as vulnerable subjects. This article explores how this "weaponization" occurs in narratives about displacements, creating a context of crisis and fear that stigmatizes migrants and presents them as threats to social stability. In the context of the Global South, this narrative manipulation deepens political and social tensions, negatively impacting both migrants and host societies. This study extends the concept of "weaponization" to include practices and discourses that reinforce stereotypes and biases, diverting attention from the structural causes of migration and hindering the development of more inclusive migration policies.