Fences and Border Protection: The Question of Establishing Technical Barriers in Europe

Abstract

The security environment of the 21st century confronted the international community with unprecedented challenges. One could say that we are only facing current negative trends with slowly evolving responses. However, these statements seem to contradict some facts that prove, that although there are deficient aspects to the current security structures, we are able to effectively handle many of the national and international challenges. Over the centuries, installation of various walls, wall systems have repeatedly defended the integrity of an area, the community of people living there from armed groups or offensive units. We can also find examples where population movements and bilateral territorial conflicts weakened—the relatively stable—great powers, which in order to avoid further intrusion and considerable social changes, designed a so-called “buffer zone” on their external borders to defend their sovereignty. There is no question that the current border restriction processes try to rehabilitate a long-time frequently used scheme for the protection of nationals, which was in recent times burdened by sad associations, such as the Berlin Wall. This is proven by the fact that only since 2000, more than 25 walls were built for security purposes. In my analysis, considering the present processes, I highlight the security challenges of 21st century Europe and the tightened border security measures generated by the fears and threats. I also stress the impact of the recent wave of migration in the transit states’ and western countries’ security system, as well as outline the activities of the Eastern European and Baltic states in response to the deteriorating relationship with Russia.