Paradigm shifts in boundary and border studies: disclosing geopolitical assumptions

ABSTRACT

This article argues that four paradigm shifts have unfolded in boundary and border studies from the delimitation of the Durand line as the Indo-Afghan frontier. Three subsequent paradigm shifts relate to cooperative management of the Canada–US border after WW1, cultural hybridization across the Mexico-US border since the 1980s, and current networked assemblage of EU’s external border. The paradigm-shift framework connects conceptual advancements in boundary making and border studies with the geopolitical prominence of given borders. The article claims that scholars draw ideal types from the paradigmatic borders of their times, either by accepting or contesting the values anchored in them.

KEYWORDS:

• Border studies
• boundary making
• paradigm shift
• world order

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank four anonymous reviewers for their constructive feedback and valuable comments on this paper. A special thanks to the associate editor for addressing other shortcomings that could have been neglected.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Luca Gaeta

Luca Gaeta is a full professor at Politecnico di Milano in the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies. He is the Chair of the PhD programme in Urban Planning, Design and Policy. His research interests are in the theory of boundaries and borders.