Resilience as a Theoretical Framework for Analysing the Polish-Belarusian Borderland During the Migration Crisis

Abstract

Goal – This study aims to assess the applicability of the concept of community resilience as a theoretical framework for analysing the Polish-Belarusian borderland during the 2021 migration crisis. It explores how local communities adapted to the crisis, considering the borderland as a dynamic social space influenced by both global and local phenomena. Research methodology – The article is based on qualitative research, using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study focuses on the experiences of local communities in the Polish-Belarusian borderland during the migration crisis. The focus group was conducted with sociology students living in the closed zone, while the in-depth interviews were carried out with residents of various localities within this area, using the snowball sampling method. The analysis was grounded in the theoretical concepts of social resilience and everyday life, complemented by a historical perspective that highlights the role of unprocessed collective trauma in shaping current adaptive strategies. Score/results – The research reveals that the migration crisis significantly disrupted the daily lives of borderland residents. Despite these challenges, communities demonstrated adaptive capacities by developing new strategies to cope with the crisis. These included leveraging social and cultural resources, such as neighborhood support and grassroots initiatives, to mitigate the destabilisation of everyday life. Originality/value – The study’s originality lies in its interdisciplinary approach, combining perspectives from border studies and resilience theory. By integrating these frameworks, the research offers a nuanced understanding of how local communities navigate complex crises, emphasising the role of social capital and local adaptation strategies in rebuilding and strengthening community ties under duress