(The Organic Prepper)—The mass displacement of populations has been a recurring feature of human history, often driven by conflict, environmental degradation, and economic disparity. It isn’t just people relocating in many cases. It’s weaponized migration.
The book Overrun is a deep dive into how the Biden administration created an illegal migration crisis in only four years.
In recent days I have had time enough to think deeply about what generated this huge mess in a country that had it all. I have a good idea of the whole picture, which I want to share here.
Weaponized migration
However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition that migration can also be deliberately engineered as a tool of political coercion and destabilization.
Under certain contexts, migration can be weaponized, functioning as a form of “slow violence” that inflicts widespread suffering and undermines the stability of states and societies.
The concept of migration as a weapon of mass destruction may seem hyperbolic, but it is grounded in a growing body of evidence. The infiltration of criminal groups in the migration wave is one of the most blatant pieces of evidence.
By systematically targeting civilian populations, undermining state institutions, and provoking social unrest, actors can exploit migration to achieve a spectrum of strategic objectives. These objectives may include territorial expansion, regime change, or distracting attention from domestic problems.
This has been a behavioral pattern, and the free media and social networks continuously unmask it.
We have in recent history two perfect examples: the displacement of Venezuelan migrants, resulting in turmoil in the streets under the government of President Duque (a known enemy of the Venezuelan regime) in 2017-2018. This chaos disappeared once the guerrilla chief Petro and his gang took over the Presidency.
The same pattern was generated in Chile, with such unrest in the streets never seen in years, only to produce problems in the government of President Piñera (compared by the Venezuelan regime with Pinochet, a known dictator). Once again, as President Boric assumed office, all the turmoil ceased, and there has not been a serious demonstration ever since.
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Historically, forced migration has been used also as a tool for ethnic cleansing. In the case of the most recent regimes, the rogue States use it to expel opposition and enemies. The Colombian guerrilla expelled and displaced almost 5 million people only to use their territory as a sanctuary. The leftist ideology once exhibited by these groups lost all the “coating” they had. Their real purpose of existing is to serve as guardians of the humungous drug production business and the corresponding trafficking routes.
Which can be considered an act of war.
Demographic changes
The expulsion of ethnic Germans from Eastern Europe after World War II, the displacement of Palestinians in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, and the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar are all examples of how migration has been used to engineer demographic change and consolidate power.
Sadly, the weaponization of migration has evolved in recent years, with new technologies and globalization facilitating more sophisticated forms of population displacement. It is even considered an “asymmetric” kind of weapon. This term means that smaller and weaker parts can use it against the strong opponents and generate in their territory a massive disruption of normality for a prolonged time.
The Syrian civil war provides a particularly striking example of how migration can be used as a weapon of mass destruction. The Assad regime, with the support of Russia, has employed a range of tactics, including indiscriminate bombing, siege warfare, and the targeting of civilian infrastructure, to force millions of Syrians to flee their homes. This mass displacement has not only created a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions but has also had a destabilizing effect on neighboring countries and Europe.
The weaponization of migration is often facilitated by the failure of states to protect their favorite groups of popular revolts, for instance, (Venezuela’s case) with the complicity of external actors (Turkey, Russia, Iran). It’s not the same controlling a population of 35 million instead of one of 28MM.
Weak or failing states are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, as their inability to provide basic services and security can create conditions that are ripe for mass displacement. Moreover, external actors, such as great powers and regional rivals, may support or even instigate conflict to create refugee flows that can be used as leverage.
Managing the influx
The receiving states need to dedicate resources, time, and money to solve problems that they shouldn’t have in the first place.
Just like Venezuelans experienced first-hand, the international community has been slow to respond to the threat posed by the weaponization of migration. While numerous international legal instruments protect refugees and internally displaced persons, these instruments have often proven inadequate in the face of large-scale displacement crises.
Moreover, the global governance system has been unable to develop effective mechanisms for preventing and responding to the deliberate engineering of migration.
In the article that inspired this entry, Dr. Greenhill explains that both migration and refugee flows are the most significant causes of serious armed conflicts in the post-Cold War period.
It is important to remember that despotic regimes have mostly used forced migration: Cuba in the 1965 and 1994 waves and the most famous “shipping” of Mariel refugees in 1980, including all the imprisoned thugs. Jails were emptied.
In other latitudes, extremist groups and authoritarian governments have used the refugee crisis for their political ends, fostering fear and xenophobia. The Syrian crisis is acknowledged as one of the main drivers of Muslim migration to Europe.
The parallelism of the coercion of Turkey to the European Union with the Venezuelan rule attitude is remarkable. The Turkish officials in charge of the deal to include Turkey in the EU made a rude statement to their counterparts to “face the consequences of migration” if they voted against the incorporation of Turkey into the EU. Of course, opening borders to a creeping dictator like Erdogan is not to be taken lightly.
The Venezuelan regime angrily threatened with the “Bolivarian Hurricane”, and Duque, before 2018, as well as Piñera, had to face serious turmoils, including the destruction of public property.
If there is a book and classroom example of weaponized migration, it is this one.
Another painful example is found in the analogies between the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, indicted by the International Criminal Court on charges that he directed a campaign of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and other crimes against humanity during the country’s Darfur conflict and certain South American bus driver we all know by now. Mind you, the Horn of Africa deal with the EU included this despotic Sudanese’s demands.
Look at the mess Europe is heading now.
How to deal with the consequences of forced migration in your area
Migration is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that challenges our societies. The situation gets even more complex when it is used by unscrupulous people as a weapon.
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Most of the consequences of uncontrolled migration generated in the short term are petty felonies, homelessness, street begging, drugs, and go as far as home squatting, and serious violent crimes.
We Venezuelans have been dealing with these effects for so long that it’s almost automatic to proceed with the installation of gratings and bars on windows, doors, and other openings where an undesired scoundrel could fit through. Padlocks, CCTV cameras, motion sensors, and all these systems are good tools, but there is another dimension with migrants, and I will explain it.
Talking by experience, we humans like to be part of a clan. It’s part of our brain wiring to feel safe between those we share bonds with.
It’s regrettable that those “clans” sometimes can be nosy, and thugs love to band up, too. Most of the time, the good people in the group don´t even know some of the guys hanging out next to them, perhaps were in jail once or a runaway somewhere else.
That’s why it’s so hard to combat these situations. If you suddenly stumble into a band of migrants, the wisest thing to do is avoid confrontation. No matter how resentful you can be, it’s not the moment to show it. Things can get out of control, and all of the “witnesses” will be against you. Politicians would have a field day exploiting all this. Don’t allow your taxes to be wasted on this.
There are some good people in those groups, also. The familiarity with a language or way of behaving is what makes the bonds within a migrant group strong. If you can bypass the crowd and become invisible, so much better. I just watched a video of one of the major concentrations of Venezuelan migrants in Chile, Calle La Puente, Cal y Canto Metro Station. This is the same crowd that once polluted the Caracas downtown and many other places, like the Boulevard, once an emblematic and high-end restaurant and cafe route. If you cross paths with a group of migrants, open your eyes, and don’t show fear or discomfort. Do what you do as usual. Young guys in numbers can be annoying and total j*rks, no matter the origin. Trust me, I know. But it’s not the moment to be a Karen.
If you want to help someone knocking at your door, ask for some references first (and verify them!) before offering landscaping chores or other jobs. If you have been seeing the same people around for some time, it’s because they will stick to a place where there are jobs. That means they probably have a place to stay and can provide an address.
Don’t allow a guy you see for the first time to get into your backyard. That’s dumb, and if the guy steals your Roomba, it means more work on the desk of an officer. Keep your eyes wide open and analyze facts before conceding trust.
We are facing significant challenges from weaponized migration
In conclusion, the weaponization of migration is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that poses a significant challenge to international security, democracy, and human rights. By understanding the mechanisms through which migration can be used as a tool of political coercion, the Americas can develop more effective strategies for prevention, response, and, especially, protection. The actors involved in the weaponized migration need to understand that implications can and will be punished by international law and policy.
Thanks for your reading and your much-needed donations to keep writing and sharing this journey with such a fabulous community.
Stay safe, and keep tuned!
J.
Have you seen evidence of weaponized migration?
Is your area home to a large number of migrants? Has it caused problems? What other ways do you see this being weaponized?
Let’s discuss it in the comments section.
About Jose
Jose is an upper middle class professional. He is a former worker of the oil state company with a Bachelor’s degree from one of the best national Universities. He has an old but in good shape SUV, a good 150 square meters house in a nice neighborhood, in a small but (formerly) prosperous city with two middle size malls. Jose is a prepper and shares his eyewitness accounts and survival stories from the collapse of his beloved Venezuela. Jose and his younger kid are currently back in Venezuela, after the intention of setting up a new life in another country didn’t go well. The SARSCOV2 re-shaped the labor market and South American economy so he decided to give it a try to homestead in the mountains, and make a living as best as possible. But this time in his own land, and surrounded by family, friends and acquaintances, with all the gear and equipment collected, as the initial plan was.
Follow Jose on YouTube and gain access to his exclusive content on Patreon. Donations: paypal.me/JoseM151
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Five Things New “Preppers” Forget When Getting Ready for Bad Times Ahead
The preparedness community is growing faster than it has in decades. Even during peak times such as Y2K, the economic downturn of 2008, and Covid, the vast majority of Americans made sure they had plenty of toilet paper but didn’t really stockpile anything else.
Things have changed. There’s a growing anxiety in this presidential election year that has prompted more Americans to get prepared for crazy events in the future. Some of it is being driven by fearmongers, but there are valid concerns with the economy, food supply, pharmaceuticals, the energy grid, and mass rioting that have pushed average Americans into “prepper” mode.
There are degrees of preparedness. One does not have to be a full-blown “doomsday prepper” living off-grid in a secure Montana bunker in order to be ahead of the curve. In many ways, preparedness isn’t about being able to perfectly handle every conceivable situation. It’s about being less dependent on government for as long as possible. Those who have proper “preps” will not be waiting for FEMA to distribute emergency supplies to the desperate masses.
Below are five things people new to preparedness (and sometimes even those with experience) often forget as they get ready. All five are common sense notions that do not rely on doomsday in order to be useful. It may be nice to own a tank during the apocalypse but there’s not much you can do with it until things get really crazy. The recommendations below can have places in the lives of average Americans whether doomsday comes or not.
Note: The information provided by this publication or any related communications is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. We do not provide personalized investment, financial, or legal advice.
Secured Wealth
Whether in the bank or held in a retirement account, most Americans feel that their life’s savings is relatively secure. At least they did until the last couple of years when de-banking, geopolitical turmoil, and the threat of Central Bank Digital Currencies reared their ugly heads.
It behooves Americans to diversify their holdings. If there’s a triggering event or series of events that cripple the financial systems or devalue the U.S. Dollar, wealth can evaporate quickly. To hedge against potential turmoil, many Americans are looking in two directions: Crypto and physical precious metals.
There are huge advantages to cryptocurrencies, but there are also inherent risks because “virtual” money can become challenging to spend. Add in the push by central banks and governments to regulate or even replace cryptocurrencies with their own versions they control and the risks amplify. There’s nothing wrong with cryptocurrencies today but things can change rapidly.
As for physical precious metals, many Americans pay cash to keep plenty on hand in their safe. Rolling over or transferring retirement accounts into self-directed IRAs is also a popular option, but there are caveats. It can often take weeks or even months to get the gold and silver shipped if the owner chooses to close their account. This is why Genesis Gold Group stands out. Their relationship with the depositories allows for rapid closure and shipping, often in less than 10 days from the time the account holder makes their move. This can come in handy if things appear to be heading south.
Lots of Potable Water
One of the biggest shocks that hit new preppers is understanding how much potable water they need in order to survive. Experts claim one gallon of water per person per day is necessary. Even the most conservative estimates put it at over half-a-gallon. That means that for a family of four, they’ll need around 120 gallons of water to survive for a month if the taps turn off and the stores empty out.
Being near a fresh water source, whether it’s a river, lake, or well, is a best practice among experienced preppers. It’s necessary to have a water filter as well, even if the taps are still working. Many refuse to drink tap water even when there is no emergency. Berkey was our previous favorite but they’re under attack from regulators so the Alexapure systems are solid replacements.
For those in the city or away from fresh water sources, storage is the best option. This can be challenging because proper water storage containers take up a lot of room and are difficult to move if the need arises. For “bug in” situations, having a larger container that stores hundreds or even thousands of gallons is better than stacking 1-5 gallon containers. Unfortunately, they won’t be easily transportable and they can cost a lot to install.
Water is critical. If chaos erupts and water infrastructure is compromised, having a large backup supply can be lifesaving.
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies
There are multiple threats specific to the medical supply chain. With Chinese and Indian imports accounting for over 90% of pharmaceutical ingredients in the United States, deteriorating relations could make it impossible to get the medicines and antibiotics many of us need.
Stocking up many prescription medications can be hard. Doctors generally do not like to prescribe large batches of drugs even if they are shelf-stable for extended periods of time. It is a best practice to ask your doctor if they can prescribe a larger amount. Today, some are sympathetic to concerns about pharmacies running out or becoming inaccessible. Tell them your concerns. It’s worth a shot. The worst they can do is say no.
If your doctor is unwilling to help you stock up on medicines, then Jase Medical is a good alternative. Through telehealth, they can prescribe daily meds or antibiotics that are shipped to your door. As proponents of medical freedom, they empathize with those who want to have enough medical supplies on hand in case things go wrong.
Energy Sources
The vast majority of Americans are locked into the grid. This has proven to be a massive liability when the grid goes down. Unfortunately, there are no inexpensive remedies.
Those living off-grid had to either spend a lot of money or effort (or both) to get their alternative energy sources like solar set up. For those who do not want to go so far, it’s still a best practice to have backup power sources. Diesel generators and portable solar panels are the two most popular, and while they’re not inexpensive they are not out of reach of most Americans who are concerned about being without power for extended periods of time.
Natural gas is another necessity for many, but that’s far more challenging to replace. Having alternatives for heating and cooking that can be powered if gas and electric grids go down is important. Have a backup for items that require power such as manual can openers. If you’re stuck eating canned foods for a while and all you have is an electric opener, you’ll have problems.
Don’t Forget the Protein
When most think about “prepping,” they think about their food supply. More Americans are turning to gardening and homesteading as ways to produce their own food. Others are working with local farmers and ranchers to purchase directly from the sources. This is a good idea whether doomsday comes or not, but it’s particularly important if the food supply chain is broken.
Most grocery stores have about one to two weeks worth of food, as do most American households. Grocers rely heavily on truckers to receive their ongoing shipments. In a crisis, the current process can fail. It behooves Americans for multiple reasons to localize their food purchases as much as possible.
Long-term storage is another popular option. Canned foods, MREs, and freeze dried meals are selling out quickly even as prices rise. But one component that is conspicuously absent in shelf-stable food is high-quality protein. Most survival food companies offer low quality “protein buckets” or cans of meat, but they are often barely edible.
Prepper All-Naturals offers premium cuts of steak that have been cooked sous vide and freeze dried to give them a 25-year shelf life. They offer Ribeye, NY Strip, and Tenderloin among others.
Having buckets of beans and rice is a good start, but keeping a solid supply of high-quality protein isn’t just healthier. It can help a family maintain normalcy through crises.
Prepare Without Fear
With all the challenges we face as Americans today, it can be emotionally draining. Citizens are scared and there’s nothing irrational about their concerns. Being prepared and making lifestyle changes to secure necessities can go a long way toward overcoming the fears that plague us. We should hope and pray for the best but prepare for the worst. And if the worst does come, then knowing we did what we could to be ready for it will help us face those challenges with confidence.
Charge Biden, Harris & Mayorkis with treason and hold them personally and financially accountable.