The study examines the myth of the "Merkel effect," which suggests that welcoming refugees would attract more migrants to Germany. The authors analyze data on migration inflows, intentions, and interest between 2000 and 2020 and find that the "pull effect" hypothesis is rejected. Instead, the study reaffirms states' capacity to adapt to changing contexts and regulate migration. The authors conclude that welcoming migration policies do not have sustained effects on migration towards destination countries.
