Alexander Betts (political scientist)

Alexander Betts is a British political scientist specializing in the fields of refugee studies, humanitarian studies, and the political economy of international organizations. He is Professor of Forced Migration and International Affairs at the University of Oxford, and the Director of the Refugee Studies Centre.

Betts's research focuses on the causes and consequences of forced migration, and the effectiveness and legitimacy of responses to refugee situations. He is known for his work advocating for a more economically and socially integrated approach to refugee assistance, often termed "refugee economies" or "development-led" approaches. This approach emphasizes the potential for refugees to contribute to host communities and economies, rather than solely relying on humanitarian aid.

He has authored and co-authored numerous books and articles, including Refugee Economies: Forced Displacement and Development (with Louise Bloom, Naohiko Omata, and Jost Wilde), Survival Migration: Failed Governance and the Crisis of Displacement, and Global Migration Governance. Betts's work frequently analyzes the role of international organizations, governments, and the private sector in responding to displacement crises. He has also researched and written about the role of technology and innovation in improving the lives of refugees. He is often consulted by international organizations and governments on matters relating to refugee policy and practice.