In contemporary geopolitics, borders have become increasingly plastic and dynamic, extending beyond static lines to encompass a multitude of practices occurring within and outside given territories. Historically central to global security concerns, borders have instigated wars, shaped identities, and disrupted security nexuses. This module critically examines emerging theoretical and empirical developments in border practices and narratives, exploring their influence on perceptions of border management and security.
Students will delve into the diverse practices at borders, exploring key developments in contemporary border security and their impacts on social and political dynamics. Topics include border practices, management, the refugee crisis, border narratives, and the role of technology in border security.
Borders today signify diverse spaces and practices of inclusion and exclusion, particularly amid ongoing migration crises and the securitization of migration. They have become central to security discourse and practices, often resulting in increased violence and insecurity for gendered and racialized groups, such as conflict-affected women and racial ‘Others.'
The external borders of the EU are especially contested, featuring trends towards militarization, externalization, datafication, and the rise of risk-based, knowledge-driven, and humanitarian border practices. The evolving EU border security architecture involves complex interactions between member states, transnational agencies like Frontex, the security industry, and humanitarian NGOs. These developments frequently undermine the human rights of migrants and escalate border violence.
This module addresses the politics of (EU) border security, emphasizing the significance of gender and race in perpetuating inequalities and insecurities through border practices and policies. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how contemporary border security shapes and is shaped by global social and political dynamics.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of border security concepts and their evolution.
- Analyze the impact of contemporary global challenges on the development and implementation of border security policies and practices.
- Critically assess the roles of borders, territoriality, and the state, emphasising the significance of bordering practices.
- Acquire and apply theoretical knowledge of border issues, including border cultures, literatures, and the constructions of "otherness."
- Critically evaluate the construction, implementation, and enforcement of current EU border control policies, including cross-border cooperation within the EU and with neighboring non-EU countries.
- Investigate the implications of bordering regimes and technologies on social, political, and human rights dynamics.
Professional Skills
• Allow student to pursue independent and creative research.
• Promote critical thinking through both written work and group debate and discussions.
• Acquire and develop advanced subject-specific skills related to the production of position and policy papers.
• To be able to confidently work with cross-cutting disciplines and topics.
• Online learning activities: 4h/semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 18h/semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 12h/semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 30h/semester
• Final Term paper – 45% • Policy Brief– 25% ( topic will be given after the third session)