Everyday Boundaries, Borders and Post Conflict Societies

This book explores the role of borders and boundaries in post-war and "deeply divided" societies, challenging traditional accounts and questioning clear-cut distinctions between the local and the international.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 249 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into a comprehensive examination of border and boundary enactments in societies that have experienced significant division and conflict after World War II. By closely examining everyday spaces in post-conflict contexts, it challenges the official narratives that explain the emergence and persistence of ethno-national divisions. It also questions the conventional distinctions between local and international factors in shaping these boundaries. Through its insightful analysis, the book offers a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics that govern border and boundary processes in deeply divided societies.

Introduction:
The study of borders and boundaries has become increasingly important in the aftermath of World War II, as societies grapple with the complex challenges of division, conflict, and reconstruction. Borders and boundaries not only demarcate physical spaces but also shape social, cultural, and political relationships within and between nations. In this book, we will explore the role of borders and boundaries in post-war and "deeply divided" societies.

Post-War and "Deeply Divided" Societies:
Post-war societies are often characterized by significant ethnic, religious, and cultural divisions, which can lead to tensions and conflicts. These divisions can be exacerbated by factors such as colonization, imperialism, and political instability, which create a sense of identity and belonging based on differences rather than commonalities. As a result, borders and boundaries become crucial tools for managing these divisions and maintaining stability.

Official Narratives of Ethno-National Divisions:
The official narratives of ethno-national divisions often focus on the role of international intervention in producing and/or weakening boundaries. These narratives suggest that foreign powers, such as the United States, the Soviet Union, or other global actors, are responsible for creating and sustaining these divisions through their policies and actions. However, this book challenges these traditional accounts and argues that borders and boundaries are not solely the result of external forces.

Challenging Traditional Accounts:
The book challenges traditional accounts regarding the role that international intervention has in producing and/or weakening boundaries. It argues that while international intervention can play a role in shaping border and boundary processes, it is not the sole factor determining their outcomes. Borders and boundaries are also shaped by local factors, such as cultural practices, historical experiences, and social networks.

Questioning Clear-Cut Distinctions:
The book also questions clear-cut distinctions between the local and the international. It suggests that these distinctions are often blurred and that borders and boundaries are not always clearly defined. Instead, they are fluid and dynamic, shaped by a complex interplay of social, cultural, and political factors.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of border and boundary enactments in post-war and "deeply divided" societies. By challenging traditional accounts and questioning clear-cut distinctions, it offers a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics that govern border and boundary processes in these contexts. The book is valuable for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the role of borders and boundaries in shaping societies and promoting peace and stability.

Weight: 359g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030558192
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021