Words Matter
A plain-language glossary for the words that shape public life.
Political Systems & Ideologies
Government structures and political philosophies that shape how power is distributed, who makes decisions, and how authority is justified. These terms are often used loosely. This section pins down their actual meanings and explains how they function in practice.
Asylum Seeker
An asylum seeker is someone who has fled their home country and is requesting protection but has not yet been legally recognized as a refugee. Their case is reviewed through a legal process to determine whether they meet refugee criteria. Seeking asylum is a legal right, and asylum seekers cannot be returned to danger while their claims are pending.
Refugee
A refugee is a person who has fled their home country because of persecution, conflict, or violence and cannot safely return. Refugee status is defined under international law and requires a well-founded fear tied to specific protected grounds. Refugees do not migrate by choice; they seek protection because remaining at home poses serious risk. The term often appears in debates about borders, humanitarian responsibility, and asylum systems.