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: Paperback / softback
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 protect against various threats.

In cities, public buildings and spaces are being reshaped to mitigate the risk of mass terror attacks. Security measures such as reinforced walls, surveillance cameras, and armed guards are being implemented to ensure the safety of citizens. Corporations, too, are taking steps to protect their electronic assets from potential threats. They are burying them in deep underground caverns and behind leaded walls of ex-nuclear war bunkers, as well as implementing advanced security systems to prevent unauthorized access.

Many urban areas have become increasingly walled, gated, and monitored. Linear obstacles such as walls, ditches, and watchtowers are being constructed along national borders to prevent illegal crossings and protect the country's sovereignty. These fortifications are often designed to be inconspicuous, making them difficult to detect.

The Guarded Age: The Expansion of Fortified Physical Infrastructure explores the reasons behind this trend of fortification and its implications for the future. It sheds light on the barriers that most people have observed but few have truly seen. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the various forms of fortification, including urbanization, globalization, and technological advancements. It also examines the political, economic, and social factors that contribute to the rise of fortified physical infrastructure.

One of the key findings of the book is that the expansion of fortified physical infrastructure is not limited to a particular region or country. It is a global phenomenon that affects all aspects of society. From cities to corporations, from national borders to private homes, fortification is becoming an increasingly common practice. The book argues that this trend is driven by a combination of factors, including the increasing threat of terrorism, the rise of authoritarianism, and the need to protect against natural disasters and other emergencies.

The book also raises important questions about the impact of fortification on human rights and freedoms. While it is necessary to protect against potential threats, it is also important to ensure that individuals are not subjected to excessive surveillance or restrictions on their movements. The book suggests that there should be a balance between security and privacy, and that governments and organizations should prioritize the protection of human rights while also implementing effective security measures.

In conclusion, The Guarded Age: The Expansion of Fortified Physical Infrastructure is a thought-provoking and important book that sheds light on the growing trend of fortification in the world. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the reasons behind this trend and its implications for the future. The book raises important questions about human rights, privacy, and the balance between security and freedom. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the current state of global politics and the challenges we face in the 21st century.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509544059