The quest for ontological security: new Russian migrants in Turkey

Abstract

Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine forcibly displaced 6 million Ukrainians. It also induced smaller and less-studied international migration flows, including individuals from Russia, who began migrating to more stable and secure countries. This article examines the ontological insecurity experienced by Russian migrants in Turkey, emphasizing how their migration failed to alleviate their sense of uncertainty. Analyzing Turkey's migration governance, this study shows how initially accommodating policies evolved to constrain migrant agency and deepen ontological insecurity. Methodologically, this article employs fieldwork with Russian communities in Turkey, social and traditional media monitoring, and analysis of Turkish migration policies and government data.