"Forced migration is one of the greatest challenges faced by the world today. All over the globe people leave their home countries to escape war, natural disasters, and cultural and political oppression. Unfortunately, despite many years of experience, the international community struggles to provide an adequate response to this vast population in need. This 'Very Short Introduction' covers a broad range of issues around the causes and impact of today's refugee crises for receiving states and societies, for global order, and for refugees and other forced migrants themselves. It also discusses the need to understand the realities of the contemporary refugee situation in order to best respond to current and future challenges."-- Taken from book-cover.