The study found that representations of Syrian refugees in these newspapers (Süddeutsche Zeitung and The Globe and Mail) generally reflect the national traditions of both countries (i.e. Germany as an ethnic nation and Canada as a settler society). However, they also highlight some peculiarities and contradictions. The articles in the Süddeutsche Zeitung reveal stark divisions within German society regarding “the refugee question” (supporters versus opponents), as a result of which the German national solidarity seems to be compromised in favour of an alliance between Germans supporting refugees (the majority) and the refugees. The articles analysed in The Globe and Mail demonstrate that the media coverage of Syrian refugees in Canada is less negative in comparison to that of other refugee groups. However, this positive representation is mainly used to highlight the “true” character of the Canadian nation, i.e. its generosity and benevolence toward minority groups.

In both Canadian and German contexts, politicians and members of civil society organizations are most successful in making their voice heard, while migrants/refugees are seldom allowed to speak for themselves. The research reveals tensions between claims made at a national/federal level on the one hand and actions at a local level, mostly by members of civil society, on the other. The latter practise citizenship through pragmatic actions; by providing assistance, they facilitate refugees’ membership in the local community.

The study concludes that there is no longer one public space as it pertains to the representation of refugee arrival and settlement (if there ever was). Representations vary not only between one news outlet to the other, but also whether the adopted perspective (within the same newspaper) is that of the national or local level, i.e. whether issues of admission, national security, target numbers are discussed, or whether the main issues are housing, schooling, language acquisition, employment etc. Concerns at the national level often dominate media representations on refugees and reflect negatively upon refugee reception. Representations of refugee settlement and claims-making at the local level tend to be more positive and underline shared humanity and shared citizenship (in more than the legal sense) that unites receiving communities and newcomer populations.