Rethinking Refugee Integration: The Importance of Core Values for Cultural Debate in Germany

Abstract

This chapter discusses the impact of the refugee crisis on the political debate on German identity from 2015 to 2017. It examines how the integration of the high number of asylum seekers rekindled an old debate on German core values and culture. While the debate was propelled by concerns to preserve Germany identity, it also focused on finding durable solutions to where both parties – the host country and the refugee – can profit. The chapter concludes that a more up-to-date view on integration is needed and suggests the use of a human rights-based approach to refugee integration.