Globalization and borders: theorising borders as mechanism of connection

It is generally accepted that borders play a crucial role within processes of globalization, that borders are an integral aspect of globalization, broadly understood here as increasing global interconnectedness. To this end, current research on borders has tended to focus on securitisation and the ability of the state border to protect national (state) security. Such approaches are linked to the idea of rebordering, particularly post 9/11, and has led researchers to study the increasing interconnect between surveillance and borders. Biometrics and 'virtual borders' thus become pertinent, timely as well as case study oriented sub-topics of border research. Alternatively, but by no means separate, research elsewhere has focused on the ways in which borders form an integral aspect of our mundane daily life practices. Emphasis is placed on how people construct, resist or reconstruct overlapping social, cultural and historical narratives of and via borders particularly in relation to the idea of borderlands and spaces. All these approaches key into current and contested thinking within border research: (1) bordering should form the main aspect of border research as opposed to geo-political lines; (2) borders are not, by definition, solely situated around the periphery of states; (3) borders mean different things to different people; (4) border construction and maintenance need not fall into the remit of the state and traditional geopolitical performances of sovereignty. However, while the term 'interconnected world' as an integral component of globalization is almost a truism, the role borders play in this connection needs further development. This thesis proposes to bring connection to the forefront of border research and is predominantly interested in the ways in which borders connect beyond localities within which the border may be situated. The thesis will propose and discuss three overlapping components (mechanisms) or aspects (outcomes) of border connectivity: invoking scale; connection as a consequence of division; and empowerment through connection. Arguing that borders connect in this way deepens our understanding of the relationship between borders and globalization. Borders as mechanisms of connection, it is argued, form an integral aspect of our interconnected word.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo