Paper addresses the transformation of the agenda of border security relating to Latvia-Russia border. There are discussed following problems in paper:
Ø the relevance of signed treaty between Latvia and Russia;
Ø the investment in Latvia/Russia border;
Ø the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation;
Ø problems with which Latvia-Russia border is dealing (increased number of cargos waiting for crossing Latvia/Russia border, smuggling, persons crossing border with fictitious documents, illegal border crossers and illegal immigrants).
This paper focuses on what comes in through the border, and not so much on what goes out except problem of long truck lines. This paper also focuses on the investment and problems which affected Latvia’s side not Russia’s.
Definition of Borders and Security
Boundary - a demarcation indicating some division in spatial terms. Border – an international boundary line; when a border is seen as a zone it is often called a borderland or the borderlands. Frontier - a zone of contact with or without a specified boundary line.
As L.Heininen and H.N.Nicol have emphasized ‘security’ is a broad concept, there are many ideas about the meaning of security and what should, or should not, be a ‘security’ issue, therefore there are many different understandings and ways to define and conceptualize security.
Security in this paper is understood as direct intervention to prevent threats and interdict dangerous people and goods at the Latvia/Russia border.
Function of the Conceptual Framework
Author, as E.Brunet-Jailly in Borderlands: Comparing Border Security in North America and the European Union, in this paper tried, first, to discuss the relevance of agents on borders, second, to examine the porosity of border, and third, to suggest new policy guidelines to government and agents that might strengthen border security objectives.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Definition of Borders and Security
Function of the Conceptual Framework
HISTORY
THE INVESTMENT
Expenditures on Border Security
Cross-border cooperation
Increasing number of cargos
THE STATISTICS
Crossings of privately owned vehicles
Crossing of persons
Drug flows
Persons with fictitious documents
Smuggling
Illegal border crossers and illegal immigrants (undocumented border crossers)
CONCLUSIONS
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the transformation of the border security agenda at the Latvia-Russia border, specifically focusing on the challenges following Latvia's accession to the European Union and the impact of national and EU-led investment strategies on border efficiency.
- The impact of top-down governmental security policies on border porosity.
- The role of cross-border cooperation and multi-level governance in managing border issues.
- Consequences of increased cargo flows and the formation of long truck lines at control points.
- The effectiveness of investments in border security infrastructure and technology.
- The conflict between national security measures and the rights and daily lives of local inhabitants and drivers.
Excerpt from the Book
Increasing number of cargos
As J.Michael Patrick has argued about the waiting time at the borders due to new policies, also this problem has touched Latvia-Russia border after joining EU. In 2006-2007 the main problem for Latvia dealing with the Latvia/Russia border is the increasing number of cargos waiting for crossing Latvia/Russia border and creating truck lines. Truck lines started to build up at the border in August 2006, on some days exceeding 1000 vehicles. Only 22-24 cargos are able to cross Terehova border control point per hour, but about 1000-1500 cargos are waiting in the line therefore it takes many days. Drivers of cargos were asked to use other border control points not Terehova but drivers have refused.
It is important to strengthen EU/Russia external border (juridical and administrative aspects) and according to EU/Russia fast development of trade activities after EU enlargement, it is important to supply effective porosity of EU/Russia border because of increasing number of cargos. However, EU does not supply with appropriate help to solve problems with the huge amount of cargos in border control points Terehova and Grebneva. International cargo transportation by road in Latvia in 2006 grow 38,8 %. Exported cargos in 2006 reached 53,1 % more than in 2005. Imported cargos in 2006 amounted to 15,9 % increase.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: This chapter defines the scope of the study, identifies the key security challenges at the Latvia-Russia border, and establishes the conceptual understanding of security as direct intervention.
HISTORY: This section details the development of the Latvia-Russia border from 1991 through the 2007 border treaty, highlighting the shift from an internal transition to an external EU border.
THE INVESTMENT: This chapter explores the financial and structural investments in border infrastructure and the resulting challenges in cross-border cooperation and cargo management.
THE STATISTICS: This section presents quantitative data regarding vehicle and human traffic, illegal drug flows, smuggling, and undocumented migration to evaluate the success of security investments.
CONCLUSIONS: This chapter argues that the current top-down approach is insufficient and suggests that integrating local governance and collaborative policy-making is essential for effective border management.
Keywords
Latvia-Russia border, Border security, European Union, Cross-border cooperation, Borderlands, Security agenda, Cargo flows, Smuggling, Illegal immigrants, Top-down approach, Multi-level governance, Border treaty, Terehova, Policy integration, Infrastructure investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines how border security policies and investments have transformed the Latvia-Russia border since Latvia joined the European Union in 2004.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key themes include the management of the EU external border, the impact of increased international cargo traffic, cross-border cooperation, and the struggle between centralized "structure" and local "agents".
What is the main research question or objective?
The objective is to analyze whether the substantial investments made in border security have effectively addressed illegal flows and border-crossing problems, or if a more integrated, multi-level policy approach is required.
What scientific methodology is utilized?
The study employs a case study methodology, utilizing the hypothesis of T. Payan and A. Vasquez to evaluate the effectiveness of border security investments through statistical analysis and policy examination.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the historical context of the border, the financial expenditures on security infrastructure, the practical challenges of long truck lines, and statistical evidence regarding smuggling and migration.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The study is best characterized by terms such as border security, European Union, cross-border cooperation, and borderland dynamics.
How did the 2007 border treaty change the legal status of the border?
The treaty provided the first official legal demarcation of the boundary between Latvia and Russia since 1991, aiming to provide clarity and stability for the EU's external frontier.
What "tug of war" does the author describe?
The author refers to the struggle between centralized governmental structures (the state) and the individual agents (legal and illegal actors) who adapt their behavior in response to new border regulations.
Why are long truck lines considered a security issue?
Beyond logistics, the truck lines in places like Terehova have led to humanitarian crises, road accidents, and increased risks to the ecological situation, forcing a debate on the balance between security and human rights.
What specific solutions does the author propose for the border crisis?
The author suggests creating networks of regional authorities, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and developing joint strategies that move away from purely top-down directives to more integrated, localized management.
- Citation du texte
- Karina Oborune (Auteur), 2007, Paper on specific case study of Latvia (EU)/Russia border, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/156863
