Securitized Borderlands

Borders are both a door and a bridge, creating a paradox between security expectations and cross-border exchanges. Borderlands are simultaneously depicted as epitomizing the growth of mutually beneficial transnational ties and as offering a privileged but bleak glimpse into the importation of international threats into domestic politics. Securitized Borderlands aims to fill the gap between security studies and borderlands studies by theoretically and empirically exploring the social dynamics of cross-border societies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 130 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Borders are multifaceted entities that serve as both a door and a bridge, occupying a crucial position at the intersection of security expectations and the vigorous cross-border exchanges. They exhibit a dual nature, appearing to be Janus-faced, as they evoke contrasting interpretations. To some, they represent delineating lines that necessitate extensive protection and a strict closure regime. Conversely, others perceive them as gateways to transnational opportunities, advocating for a cautious but liberal management approach. This same paradox extends to the regions situated alongside borders, known as borderlands or frontier zones. Borderlands can be simultaneously portrayed as emblematic of the flourishing of mutually beneficial transnational connections and as offering a privileged yet bleak perspective on the infiltration of international threats into domestic politics.

Partly due to the divergent premises underlying borderlands studies and security studies, there has been minimal dialogue between these fields. Security studies remain predominantly preoccupied with the discriminatory role of borders, while borderlands studies focus on documenting the social dynamics of cross-border societies. Against this backdrop, the ambition and originality of Securitized Borderlands lie in its endeavor to bridge the theoretical and empirical gap between security studies and borderlands studies.

The chapters included in this book were originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Borderlands Studies, highlighting their significance in the field of border studies.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367691639