TERRITORIAL BORDERS AS INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

ABSTRACT In sociological research on territorial borders, theoretical concepts prevail which identify borders with migration control and hence conclude from the contemporary trend to ex-territorialise such controls the dissolution between territories and borders. Such an understanding however prevents to distinguish between different instruments and logics of migration control. Departing from this perspective, the argument is developed that borders are more adequately understood as institutionalised rules about the spatial separation of the exercise of authority. Such a perspective provides first to analytically distinguish between borders in general on the one hand and the specific functions particular borders are designed to fulfil on the other hand. Second, such a concept enables us to address how political and societal actors discover the border as an instrument for realising their interests and hence engage in border politics. Third, the possibility emerges to analyse how processes of globalisation and regional integration change the political perception and thereby the political regulation of borders' functions.

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