Functional-time variability of the boundary (case of Kaliningrad oblast borders)

Abstract

In various geographical approaches to the study of boundaries, one of the main ones is the functional approach, in which it is customary to single out the barrier and contact functions of the boundary. Depending on the balance of these two functions, a certain type of cross-border cooperation is formed and, as a result, the type of border regions. From this point of view, the author proposes to distinguish five theoretical types of border regions. At the same time, this typology can be applied both in the territorial and temporal aspects. Using a comparative geographical and analytical method of research, a functional-temporal typology of the Russian-Polish and Russian-Lithuanian state borders was carried out from the moment of their formation to the present. Time stages were identified, in which a certain balance of the contact and barrier functions of the border was established. The results of the study show that the Russian-Polish border changed the balance of contact and barrier functions more often than the Russian-Lithuanian one, and these changes were multidirectional. The Russian-Lithuanian border changed in one direction, towards the gradual growth of its barrier function.