Exclusionary Narratives at Europe’s Southern Edge Exclusionary Narratives at Europe’s Southern Edge: A Comparative Digital Analysis of Migration Discourses in the Canary Islands and Lampedusa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22325/fes/res.2025.264Keywords:
migration crises, social media discourse, exclusionary narratives, Canary Islands, Lampedu, anti-immigration rhetoricAbstract
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, European authorities have tightened border controls, prompting shifts in migration routes toward southern entry points, particularly the Canary Islands and Lampedusa. These dynamics have intensified debates on migration, security, and identity. In this paper, we examine how key actors use Twitter (now X) to frame these migration crises and shape exclusionary narratives. Drawing on an analysis of discourses circulated by politicians, media outlets, and civic organizations, we identify dominant actors, explore their framing strategies, and compare the resulting narratives across both regions. In doing so, this study clarifies the interplay between social media and public opinion, offering insights into how digital platforms enable the construction and amplification of xenophobic and hostile rhetoric. Our findings underscore the urgency of understanding digital media’s role in shaping exclusionary narratives and highlight the methodological challenges posed by increasingly restricted data access.
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