19^th and 20^th Century Borders and Border Regions in Europe: Some Reflections

Abstract

Recent European history shows remarkably contrasting tendencies concerning the functions and densities of borders. The borders inside the European Union lost their importance, whereas Central and Eastern Europe saw the birth of a multitude of new state borders. Borders, especially state borders, always have attracted the attention of geographers and historians (see also Chapter 2). Borders separate territories and peoples from each other, define nations and frequently have been the source of international conflict and war. Separation in general leads to, or is the expression of, all kinds of differences: political, social, economic, cultural and other. However, borders do not separate completely and the function and location of borders change over time. Moreover, the function of borders can differ from one place, region or country to another (Stoddard 1991). The dynamic nature of borders suggests a historical, the local and regional differences a geographical approach.