Contentious Approaches to Counter Resistance to Transfer: Multi-Scalar Complaints

Abstract

This chapter shows that when conciliatory transfer approaches failed or were unavailable, non-state actors tried to change state practices by denouncing them. If possible, they denounced lower scale authorities to brokers at key positions, benefitting from their legal authority over subordinate state actors to request changes. When non-state actors lacked such contacts, they directly confronted the implementing officials. In case of resistance they shifted across scales, complaining to superordinate officials or to courts. When a case could be framed as a particularly salient violation of human rights or asylum norms, norm promoters turned to international organisations in the hopes that such organisations would exert pressure on domestic politicians. However, contentious multi-scalar approaches caused geographical dilemmas, because they provoked resistance and damaged relations with officials.