Exiled Scholars in Western Academia: Refugees or Intellectuals?

The project focuses on the experiences of refugee scholars in Western academia through first-hand narration that moves between dominant humanitarianism and the academic establishment. We are providing intellectual views of this humanitarian industry from a refugee perspective. In addition, we are also bringing stories of the refugee scholars’ contribution to the production of knowledge in the West at large while shedding light on the ongoing transformation of Western academia. Contributors will discuss their unique experiences in order to reflect on the changing nature of knowledge production, transfer, and exchange in a world increasingly affected by forced migration. Such reflections are not new. However, in today's globalized world, the term "refugee" often evokes both sympathy and criticism, leaving refugee scholars in Western universities to ponder the ambivalent nature of their identity. This book brings together exiled academics trained in political science, international studies, anthropology, law, philosophy, and the humanities from different parts of the world. We anticipate structuring the book around three major parts and themes (I) Transnational knowledge production and academic identity; (II) Immobility within academic mobility; and (III) At-Risk Scholars navigating the academic career.