The Dynamics of Interstate Boundaries explains why some borders deter insurgents, smugglers, bandits, and militants while most suffer from infiltration and crisis. Grappling with an issue at the core of the modern state and international security, George Gavrilis explores border control from the nineteenth century Ottoman Empire to 21st century Central Asia, China, and Afghanistan. Border control strategies emanate from core policies of state formation and the local design of border guard institutions. Secure and open borders depend on institutional design, not on military power. Based on research in numerous border regions, this book advances the study of the state, local security institutions, and conflict and co-operation over border control. It holds critical lessons for policymakers and international organizations working to enhance border security in dangerous regions.
• About border control, an important but little-researched area • Based on author’s research in a dozen border regions • Fuses international relations, history, comparative politics
Contents
1. The trouble with borders; 2. Four claims about interstate boundaries; 3. Border guards, bandits, and the Ottoman-Greek boundary regime in the 19th century; 4. The view from above; 5. State formation and Central Asian peripheries in the 20th and 21st centuries; 6. The view from below; 7. Implications and interventions.
Reviews
'This brilliantly original book explains why so many attempts to secure international borders have failed. Gavrilis shows that only when neighboring states pay attention to local borderland interests and avoid micromanaging from the center can they hope to better control movement and security across frontiers. The exploration of nineteenth century Greek-Ottoman and twenty-first century Central Asian border politics are fascinating. Moreover, the policy implications for such cases as today's Afghanistan are clear. Gavrilis should make everyone who deals with border issues around the world rethink traditional but unworkable policies that continue to do so much harm.' Daniel Chirot, Job and Gertrud Tamaki Professor of International Studies, University of Washington
'What are the conditions under which international borders become stable and secure? Why has it been so difficult for some modern states to impose security over their borders? Why borders continue to be a major source of conflict and what can be done to prevent this? Gavrilis’ book tackles these important questions by focusing directly on a number of specific border areas. By drawing on case studies that span Greece and the Ottoman Empire in the nineteenth century and the post-Soviet Central Asian states in the twenty-first, Gavrilis finds that secure borders emerge only when various groups who live in these areas are enlisted in the policy of stabilizing the borders. Whether these groups are allowed to play such a role depends on the specific processes of state formation that unfolds on either side of the international boundary. This is an exceptionally rich study that is based on archival research in several languages, fieldwork in multiple sites, a thorough reading of secondary literature, and a firm grasp of theoretical issues. Garvilis’ mastery of his subject matter is truly breathtaking. The Dynamics of Interstate Boundaries will be a required reading for anybody who is interested in how borders are formed, what makes them viable, and how to make them secure and less violent.' Reşat Kasaba, University of Washington
'Gavrilis has written a masterful book on a central problem that all modern states face, and yet, about which there is scant research - the protection of shared boundaries. He traces the roots of this problem both geographically and historically, taking us from the disintegrated Ottoman Empire to emergent Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Along the way, he offers rare and valuable insight into why states often pursue solutions to this problem that undermine their own border security.' Pauline Jones Luong, Brown University
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