Disputes over the location, ownership, or control of a geographic boundary can generate significant political, economic and social challenges. They may be triggered by historical claims, differences of interpretation of a particular geography, or even a simple lack of clear surveying and mapping. In many cases, they can lead to territorial conflicts and even wars.
Despite the fact that most border disputes are caused by multiple factors simultaneously, they usually evolve into geopolitical games of power competition and confrontation. This can result in a cycle of escalation with new rounds of border divisions and transferences.
Sometimes these disputes are confined to the area of the disputed line itself, but more often they extend into wider circles and become centered on the conflict’s dynamics. For example, the “Honey War” was sparked by a dispute over where the border between Iowa and Missouri should be drawn. The dispute was over a strip of land that was not clearly marked on the old maps or surveys, but it affected the economic and political relations between the two states.
These disputes are complex, requiring cooperation between all countries involved in the process to avoid regional crises. The editors of this volume suggest ways to reduce the risks of these conflicts by using third-party neighbours and regional organisations to dampen tensions, promote negotiations, respect common values, and care for the needs of people living in the borderlands. The organization of the entries into clear thematic volumes will make this work accessible to students who are just beginning research on these difficult topics. The editors have also included a glossary and excerpts from selected primary documents for additional reference.
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