Paradoxes of globalization and increasing barrier functions of borders in the contemporary world
The author considers the contradiction between the deepening processes of globalization and regional integration, and the strengthening of state borders’ barrier functions, including the construction of walls and other physical obstacles. This contradiction is enhanced by geopolitical events of last years. The paper comprises a brief overview of literature on this theme. The growing attention of scholars to the study of state borders’ functions in new conditions is noticed, though some of them are delegated to other territorial levels. The increasing symbolic function of borders and their role in the state “politics of memory” are shown. Paradoxically, globalization and technical progress did not make easier territorial mobility but, on the contrary, created new obstacles for them and, moreover, generated new risks of confl and human rights’ violation.