The Inter-Factor Zone: A Transitional Phase Between Push and Pull Factors in Post-1968 Migration From Czechoslovakia to Switzerland

Abstract This article introduces the concept of the inter-factor zone, defined as a bounded transitional phase that complements the traditional push and pull factor theory by incorporating the dynamics of uncertainty and the impact of contingent events in migration processes. Using the case of the political emigration of Czechoslovaks to Switzerland following the Warsaw Pact invasion in 1968, this study analyses how decision-making during this transitional phase was shaped by structural factors, institutional support, and unforeseen events. The inter-factor zone is empirically traced primarily in transit settings, where departure has occurred but a stable destination orientation has not yet been established. While this article primarily focuses on Switzerland, the analysis also considers Austria, particularly Vienna, as a crucial transit context where many emigrants made pivotal decisions before continuing their journeys. Based on qualitative analysis of 35 biographical narratives and historical documents, the research highlights the critical role of transit countries and humanitarian organizations in shaping migrants’ options and interpretations under conditions of suspended orientation. This study enhances our understanding of migration complexity, offers a novel perspective on the significance of this transitional phase, and provides conceptual insights for contemporary migration scholarship and policy debates concerning refugee reception and integration.