Mezi bariérami a příležitostmi: nad dvěma českými příspěvky k tematice evropského ohraničování

Abstract

This study analyzes the topic of European bordering discussed in the publications Aktivní hranice v Evropě [Active Borders in Europe] by K. B. Müller (ed.) and Ne-prostupné hranice Evropy [The Non-Permeable Borders of Europe] by M. Trčka. In the first and second parts of the study, the author presents the structure of both works and an analysis of their main findings. In the third part, he analyzes the theoretical anchoring of the European bordering in more detail, especially with respect to the innovative concept of the so-called active border. He draws attention to the redefining of borders as opportunities with regard to the implications and limits of this concept. The active dimension of borders manifests itself especially in areas of actual “borderlessness,” where the physical plane of borders is substantially suppressed, with which the symbolic plane of demarcation predominates. If we wanted to extend the apparent positive results of the use of active borders to the level of conventional borders, it would be necessary to strengthen their two-way permeability, which would likely require greater transnationalization, or more precisely cosmopolitization. Lastly, the author reflects on borders and identity in the light of the current European challenges.

Keywords

• borders
• territoriality
• identity
• individual autonomy
• europeanization
• transnationalization
• cosmopolitanism