For a long time, it seemed as though borders might become obsolete in the context of globalization. Nevertheless, recent examples such as the fortification of the US-Mexican wall or the discussions about securing the EU’s external borders in light of migration show that a “borderless” world is still a utopian idea. On the contrary, borders and conflicts around borders remain a common phenomenon in our time. Frequently occurring border conflicts between two states or the fighting for independence by a rebel group demonstrate that conflicts and borders are closely intertwined. On the other hand, modern conflicts also transcend borders in military, economic, political and symbolical ways. Cross-border fighting, transnational connections between rebel groups, the involvement of additional actors like International Organizations or states, and the reproduction of the conflict within diaspora groups characterize many conflicts of our time. How can we analyze and understand such a multifaceted relationship between conflicts and borders?
This seminar aims to explore the relationship between borders and conflicts from different theoretical standpoints. It will start with defining the core concepts – conflict and border – and study the making and unmaking of borders and boundaries in conflict situations. Besides territorial borders, we will focus, i.e. on social, cultural, economic boundaries and conceptualize borders as multidimensional and complex structures. In the second part of the seminar, different theories from border(land) studies and boundary studies will be introduced to analyze the nexus between conflicts and borders. In the third part, we will take a closer look at empirical examples by applying the formerly introduced theories.
Exam requirements: Term paper or oral examination according to the exam regulations.
- Lehrende/r: Mitja Sienknecht