Fence-Wall Diplomacy as a Factor for Boundary Security

In recent decades, significant transformations have unfolded in global diplomacy and international relations. Some nations are strengthening their geopolitical standing and economic prowess, while others are witnessing a decline in their prominence. Nonetheless, all countries are unified in their pursuit of employing new strategies to assert their foreign policy matters or adopting long-established tools crafted by certain nations over centuries. Among the strategies highly sought-after in recent years to safeguard state borders is the construction of fortified structures along national boundaries. Approximately 50 countries have gained experience in utilizing advanced technologies and cutting-edge engineering solutions for such undertakings. These shifts in approaches toward achieving foreign policy goals can be attributed to the movement of people spurred by various factors like armed conflicts, political turmoil, ethnic and religious tensions, scarcity of resources, climate shifts, rising instances of terrorism, crime, and corruption. The primary impetus behind these initiatives has been and continues to be the safeguarding of national security and economic interests, mitigating unlawful migration, stemming the flow of arms and drugs, and combating transnational terrorism. The erection of defensive walls, barriers, and fences mirrors the diplomatic relationships and economic capabilities between nations, signifying efforts to either completely halt, reassess, or significantly restrict bilateral ties. Assessing the effectiveness of these constructed walls and barriers, especially amid the complexities of bilateral relations, poses a considerable challenge. While some countries have seen success in reducing illegal migration, thwarting terrorist infiltration, and intercepting the circulation of arms and drugs through major defense projects, these endeavors often impede cooperation between states. Consequently, these measures reflect an inability to resolve emerging conflicts based on international law, acting as a barrier to fostering collaboration among nations. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.