Refugee Support and Moral Practice in Slovakia

“Refugee Support and Moral Practice in Slovakia depicts the perseverance albeit imperfection of refugee support. Non-state actors work within informality and improvisation in regular collaboration but also disobedience toward the state and hostile policies. This ethnography is very timely given the broader rise in nativism and right-wing extremism in contemporary Europe.” — Katerina Rozakou, Assistant Professor of Social Anthropology, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens “Walther delves deeply into the dynamics and moral dilemmas of activists’ care for refugees, concentrating on Slovakia. This vivid ethnographic account of blurred boundaries between state and non-state practices offers a welcome addition to scholarship on Western Europe that contributes original insights to current debates, raising new questions on populism and moralities.” — Tatjana Thelen, Professor of Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Vienna “Eva-Maria Walther’s insightful exploration offers findings that challenge the black-and-white portrayal of Slovakia. Rather than a dichotomy of morally defined camps, her research unveils a complex tapestry of societal dynamics. Through her analysis, Walther carefully shows Slovakia’s position, untainted by colonial ventures, yet intertwined with the narrative of the oppressed.” — Helena Tužinská, Assistant Professor, Department of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology, Comenius University, Bratislava “Eva-Maria Walther offers a compelling and insightful exploration of the complexities of refugee care in Slovakia. She shed light on the emotion and moral challenges faced by NGOs and public authorities supporting asylum seekers, emphasizing the importance of empathy, clear communication, and unified standards to better serve refugees and supporters alike. Essential reading for policymakers and humanitarian workers alike, this book offers practical solutions to enhance efficiency and empathy in refugee care.”—Dr Nicolette Makovicky, Senior Lecturer in Russian and East European Studies, Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, University of Oxford