Barriers to Entry: Who Builds Fortified Boundaries and Why?

Abstract

Fortified boundaries are asymmetrical, physical barriers placed along borders. These boundaries are more formidable in structure than conventional boundary lines, but less robust than militarized boundaries. Their goal is to impose costs on infiltrators and in so doing deter or impede infiltration. A novel dataset of all such boundaries worldwide shows that states are constructing these barriers at an accelerating rate. More than half of barrier builders are Muslim-majority states, and so are the vast majority of targets. A multivariate analysis demonstrates that, contrary to conventional wisdom, states that construct such barriers do not tend to suffer disproportionately from terrorism, nor are they apt to be involved in a significant number of territorial disputes. Instead, differences in state wealth and migration rates are the best predictors of barrier construction. Qualitative case studies suggest that the most effective fortified boundaries are found where the initiating state controls the territory beyond a boundary that blocks the only access route into the state.

Border Walls and Smuggling Spillovers

“…There is a growing literature that explores the determinants of border fortification (Hassner and Wittenberg, 2015;Jones, 2012;Carter and Poast, 2017). Yet, we know relatively little about the consequences and efficacy of border walls.…”

From humanitarian exceptionalism to contingent care: Care and enforcement at the humanitarian border

“…While much scholarly research has examined the processes, practices, and effects of border enforcement globally, this literature focuses largely on the punitive aspects of border regulation (e.g., apprehension, detention, and deportation) (Burridge, 2011;Coleman 2007Coleman , 2009Coleman , 2012Coleman & Kocher, 2011;Cornelius, 2001;Dunn, 1996Dunn, , 2009Mountz, 2010;Nevins, 2010;Phillips, 2009); the application of border enforcement technologies (e.g., Amoore, 2006Amoore, , 2009Hassner and Wittenberg 2009;Maril 2011;Muller 2011); and the discursive frameworks through which border enforcement is justified (e.g., Ackleson, 2005;Bigo 2002;Jones 2011;Newman & Paasi, 1998;Sundberg 2008;Sundberg and Kaserman 2007). Only recently have scholars begun examining responses to migrant deaths or other 'humanitarian' measures taken to provide for the care of unauthorized migrants and, in some instances, provide them with legal status (e.g., Albahari 2006;Burridge, 2011;Cook, 2011;Millner 2011;Squire, 2014;Ticktin, 2011).…”

Border Control and Insurgent Tactics

“…Finally, as borders harden around the world, a growing literature examines the political economy of border security. To date, however, most work has focused on the macro-level determinants of state's choices about how to secure their borders (Hassner and Wittenberg 2015;Simmons and Kenwick 2019). This paper builds on a burgeoning research program on the micro-level consequences of border control , and especially on the effects of border control on conflict .…”