Borderlines and Borderlands: Political Oddities at the Edge of the Nation-State

by Alexander C. Diener (Editor), Joshua Hagen (Editor), Eric D. Carter (Contributor)

Focusing on unusual international border shapes, this fascinating book highlights the important truth that all borders, even those that appear 'natural, ' were created by people. The unique and compelling histories of some of the world's oddest borders provide an ideal context for accessible and enlightening discussions of cultural globalization, economic integration, international migration, imperialism, postcolonialism, global terrorism, nationalism, and supranationalism. Each contributor's regional expertise enriches a textured account of the historical context in which these borders came into existence as well as their historical and ongoing influence on the people and states they bound

Genres: Politics, Geography

440 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 16, 2010

Reviews

[Andrew]

Only two reviews? Really? Because this was a really pretty interesting selection of essays about the margins of the modern nation-state. There wasn't anything especially groundbreaking here, but in made for a damn fine set of case studies, on, among other places, Palestine, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, and Washington State. Sincerely recommended to anyone interested in geography and its implications in the modern world.

[Hunter Marston · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great range of case studies on border disputes and their origins. Ultimately, the edition fails to move beyond the Westphalian system of sovereign states that it simultaneously labels as arbitrary and inconclusive.