Borders and Security Governance

Against the background of globalisation, borders have not only become increasingly permeable but also have conceptually evolved and have become important security issues on national and global agendas. In large parts of the world, particularly in Europe and North America, borders are no more national defence lines but a supranational space crucial in combating perceived threats from transnational organised crime, international terrorism, and unregulated migration. At the same time, the means and mechanisms of accountability of the state organs responsible for border management must respond to the realities if they are to be effective and legitimate.

The contributors of this book provide insights on comparative border control developments in North America and in Europe, changes in risks and threats at the borders, and the extension of border protection functions to a variety of actors that increasingly include private and corporate companies. The first part of the book provides a discussion of the key themes and issues concerning border management. The second part offers comprehensive studies on recent developments in the European Union border management regime, followed in the third part of the book by case studies on transnational crime, terrorism, and inter-agency co-operation in the NAFTA region.