ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that where liberal universal values are constitutive of a person's identity, respecting their claims and being recognised for so doing can be a source of personal affirmation. Moreover, most people have a psychological disposition to extend some form of sympathy to others, which can be channelled into a recognition of the duties defined by liberal universalism. If one were to choose between the liberal universalist and the non-rationalist accounts solely on the grounds of normative desirability, then it would not be evident why one should prefer the non-rationalist account. The first way of transcending the assumed conflict between refugee rights and national interests is to encourage the development of group identities that incorporate a commitment to liberal universalist values. In addition to the sorts of influence exerted by the communities, there may be scope for political leaders to help develop a sense of national identity that includes a liberal attitude towards refugees.
