The Changing Character of National Borders

In: Citizenship studies, Band 2, Heft 3, S. 365-376

Abstract

In the process of globalization, the nation-state's power to control its borders is disintegrating. In some respects, national borders have completely lost their relevance, owing to certain adverse ecological developments like the degradation of the ozone layer & other virtually global threats. They are also of limited use in influencing the speed & content of some trade operations concerning goods or currencies or the free flow of media information, but they continue to function efficiently for people. Immigration laws & certain other procedures of "rich" countries tend to distinguish between wanted & unwanted immigrants. Because of various catastrophes & disasters, widespread violence, & anticipation of bleak economic futures, the number of migrants continues to grow rapidly, as does the pressure from migrants from the "poor" & densely populated countries of the world on the borders of the "rich" countries. This is a multidimensional development with political, economic, & moral aspects. 23 References. Adapted from the source document.