strategy
Fortifying frontier lines
Synonyms:
Border defenceNational airspace
Defence line
Coast guard
Description:
Constructing defences at land, water and air frontiers to prevent entry of opposing military forces. Context:
Fortified frontier lines appeared as walls in China, the Middle East and Egypt to prevent raiders and neighbouring armies from entering home territory. In Europe this developed into lines of watch towers, and fortresses along important rivers or trade routes. As naval warfare increased, coastal waters, sea lanes and rivers were protected by batteries, mines and ships. Fortified airspace and even outer atmosphere defence became important during the 20th century. Claim:
Fortifications provide deterrence to foreign enemies. Peaceful stability can be maintained by strong border defences. Counter Claim:
1. Increasingly mobile military forces can avoid stationary fortresses ([ie] the Maginot Line in World War II).2. High technology can invent ever more advanced ways to penetrate or out-manoeuvre frontier defences.
3. It is difficult to define national borders in ocean waters and in the upper atmosphere of the planet.
4. Fortification affirms nationalistic ideals of sovereignty, isolationism and protectionism.
Broader:
Protecting boundaries of social unit Narrower:
Resealing borders Constrains:
Settling border disputes Facilitated by:
Providing guard services Problems:
Border incidents and violenceExcessive frontier formalities in international travel
Fortified frontiers
Illegal movement across frontiers
Restrictive border controls
Vulnerability of frontier workers
Subjects:
Communication → CommunicationsDefence → Defence
Defence → Police
Government → Frontiers
Type Classification:
D: Detailed strategies Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
