The “Australian model” and its long-term consequences. Reflections on Europe

Abstract

The “Australian model” is a benchmark for hard-nosed externalization policies. This article explains the historical contingent trajectory that led to the rise of this model and assesses its long-term implications in the Asia Pacific. It finds that the model has shifted the “migration crisis” to transit countries; dehumanized asylum seekers by hiding them from public scrutiny and emboldened authoritarian trends in several countries. The article also offers initial reflections on commonalities between the Australian model and the European approach. It emerges that there are strong parallelisms, but a potential Australian effect in recent policies implemented in Europe.