Globalization, the Refugee Crisis, and the Pandemic: Yoga as a Health Intervention in the Context of Greece

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of globalization on governance, focusing on the refugee crisis in Greece. Amid the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis and subsequent refugee influx, Greece faced economic challenges and strained public services. NGOs played a vital role in addressing the crisis. The paper highlights mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic for refugees, NGO workers, and volunteers. It proposes yoga and meditation as policy-based solutions due to their efficacy in addressing stress and anxiety. Emphasizing the role of policy entrepreneurs, the paper suggests a policy window for implementing mental health interventions, drawing on frameworks like the Advocacy Coalition Framework. Finally, the paper underscores the demand for mental health services in the refugee population and the potential for yoga-based interventions in the policy landscape, recognizing the conducive environment for complementary and alternative medicine in addressing the crisis.