PSYCHOLOGICAL AND INTERNATIONAL ANALYSIS OF POPULISM AND XENOPHOBIA IN THE CONTEXT OF SYRIAN IRREGULAR MIGRANTS

This study analyzes the relationship between populism and xenophobia in the context of Syrian irregular migrants from psychological and international relations perspectives. Field research conducted between 2019 and 2025 in Turkey, Switzerland, and EU countries shows that these two phenomena reinforce each other in a mutually sustaining cycle. Negative attitudes have increased over time, with the rate in Turkey rising from 78% in 2019 to 87% in 2024. Based on the percentage distribution of negative attitudes, national identity concerns are prominent in Turkey (76%), while economic anxieties come to the forefront in Europe (47% in Switzerland, 61% in the EU). Xenophobia in Turkey has increased from 7% to 18%.

The research employed qualitative research methods to understand the psychological foundations of negative attitudes and xenophobic tendencies toward Syrian irregular migrants and to examine the impact of these attitudes on international relations. The study adopted an interdisciplinary approach within the frameworks of social identity theory, threat perception theory, and international relations theories. The methodology includes unstructured interviews and content analysis techniques. This approach provides an opportunity to understand complex phenomena such as migration, populism, and xenophobia from a more holistic perspective.

The findings indicate that populism and xenophobia emerge with different dynamics according to geographical context and vary depending on socio-political and economic conditions. The study identified factors influencing these phenomena as varying across countries and evaluated the findings within the frameworks of social identity theory, threat perception theory, and international relations theories. The results demonstrate that migration policy is not merely a technical issue but a complex phenomenon with psychological and international relations dimensions. The study offers solution-oriented recommendations to reduce populism and xenophobia and support the integration of migrants.

Keywords

International Relations, Psychology, Social Identity Theory, Xenophobia, Populism