The Transformation of Border Security Practices from Fixed Borders to New Modalities and Privatization: From the Perspective of Critical Border Studies

The aim of this article is to examine the transformation of border security practices from the perspective of critical border studies. Contrary to the conventional image of borders, both the quantitative and qualitative transformation of borders has become apparent in the global war on terror, signifying a reconfiguration of sovereign power via technology and characterized by the emerging role for privatization in border security. The main question raised by this article is to what extent do new forms of border security practices create new opportunities and possibilities for state regulation over border control, given the way in which the private sector has become embedded in border security. How can we characterize the changing nature of state sovereignty and the democratic accountability of state authorities? Stated differently, what does the privatization of border security imply for the relationship between the state and private corporations