The Guarded Age: Fortification in the Twenty-First Century

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 symbolized a new era of openness and connectivity, but today the world is ever more divided, demarcated, and fortified. This book explores the expansion of fortified physical infrastructure at every level of the global political economy, from cities to corporations to urban areas. It reveals the barriers which most have observed but few have truly seen, and asks where it will take us.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked a significant milestone in the history of global politics, symbolizing the dawn of a new era of openness and connectivity. However, the world we live in today is far from united and harmonious. Instead, it is increasingly divided, demarcated, and fortified. We are living in a guarded age, where security has become a top priority and physical infrastructure has been extensively fortified to mitigate various threats and contingencies.

In cities, public buildings and spaces are being reshaped to prioritize security against mass terror attacks. Corporations are investing in deep underground caverns and ex-nuclear war bunkers to protect their electronic assets from a range of threats, including cyberattacks and natural disasters. Many urban areas have become heavily guarded, with walls, gates, surveillance cameras, and armed security personnel patrolling the streets.

The expansion of fortified physical infrastructure is not limited to cities and corporations. National borders are also being reinforced with hundreds of miles of linear obstacles, such as walls, ditches, and watchtowers. These barriers are often designed to be inconspicuous, making them difficult to detect and challenging to overcome.

The Guarded Age: The Expansion of Fortified Physical Infrastructure explores the reasons behind this trend and its implications for the future. It sheds light on the barriers that most people have observed but few have truly seen, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of global security.

One of the key findings of the book is that the expansion of fortified physical infrastructure is driven by a complex interplay of political, economic, and social factors. The rise of terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the increasing interconnectedness of the global economy have all contributed to the need for increased security measures.

At the same time, the expansion of fortified physical infrastructure has also raised concerns about privacy, freedom, and human rights. The increased surveillance and monitoring of individuals and communities have led to a loss of privacy and a sense of control over one's own life. Moreover, the fortification of borders has often resulted in the displacement of people and the creation of refugee camps, which further exacerbate social and economic tensions.

The book also offers insights into the potential consequences of the guarded age. It suggests that the increasing division and fortification of the world may lead to a more unstable and fragmented global landscape. The barriers that have been erected may create barriers to trade, travel, and cultural exchange, which could hinder economic growth and promote social isolation.

Furthermore, the guarded age may also exacerbate existing conflicts and tensions. The fortification of borders and the creation of buffer zones can create a sense of permanence and entrenchment, which can make it difficult to resolve conflicts peacefully. Moreover, the increased militarization of society may lead to a rise in military spending and the proliferation of weapons, which could further destabilize the global political economy.

Despite these concerns, the book also highlights the potential for positive change in the guarded age. It suggests that the expansion of fortified physical infrastructure can be used as an opportunity to promote greater security and stability by investing in infrastructure that is resilient, sustainable, and inclusive. By building infrastructure that is designed to meet the needs of all communities, regardless of their background or identity, we can create a more secure and prosperous global landscape.

In conclusion, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked a significant milestone in the history of global politics, symbolizing the dawn of a new era of openness and connectivity. However, the world we live in today is far from united and harmonious. We are living in a guarded age, where security has become a top priority and physical infrastructure has been extensively fortified to mitigate various threats and contingencies. The Guarded Age: The Expansion of Fortified Physical Infrastructure provides a comprehensive analysis of this trend and its implications for the future. It sheds light on the barriers that most people have observed but few have truly seen, offering insights into the potential consequences of the guarded age and highlighting the potential for positive change. By investing in infrastructure that is resilient, sustainable, and inclusive, we can create a more secure and prosperous global landscape.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 231 x 158 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509544042