Boundaries

MSc. Final
What is a boundary line
Establishing Boundaries
 Define: create legal description
 Delimit: map
 Demarcate: mark with fence, wall, etc.
 Administrate: maintain, monitor crossing of people and goods

U.S. - Mexico Border

 Types of International Boundaries

 Geometric: based on a grid system

 Physical-political (natural): based on natural features
 Mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, deserts, etc.
 Anthropographic (cultural): based on cultural features
 Ethnicity, language, religion, etc.
Types of boundaries
 A geometric boundary, or geometric border, is one that is formed by arcs or
straight lines irrespective of the physical and cultural features of the land it
passes through. Examples include the U.S.-Canada border and the borders of
some African states that evolved from colonial holdings.
 Physical Boundary: A great example of a physical boundary is a mountain.
For example, the Pyrenees Mountains, which serve to separate France and
Spain, are a physical boundary; so are the Ural Mountains which separate
Europe and Asia.
 Along with mountains, oceans, seas, even deserts are examples of physical
boundaries. For example, Africa is often referred to in terms of Saharan and
sub-Saharan Africa, as in part of the desert or south of the desert.
Types of boundaries
 Although physical boundaries are not man-made, they are often used by man
to create logical political boundaries. Political boundaries are the officially
drawn dividing lines between nations, states, cities, and so on. Mississippi
River. Rio Grande separates the United States from Mexico.
  Also called an ethnographic boundary, a cultural boundary is a boundary
line that runs along differences in ethnicity, such as language and religion.
 When speaking of cultural boundaries based on language, a great example of
this is found within the country of Canada, where French is the official
language of Quebec.
Boundary Related Problems Often Arise
When International Boundaries Clash with
Cultural Boundaries

Geometric, Not Cultural Boundaries = Trouble

Boundary Related Problems Often Arise
When International Boundaries Clash with
Cultural Boundaries
 Boundary Related Problems Often
Arise When International Boundaries
Clash with Cultural Boundaries
Additional Types of Boundaries

 Antecedent Boundary: boundary established

before a region is populated
 Subsequent Boundary: boundary established after
a region is populated, respects existing cultural
patterns
 Superimposed boundary: boundary created by
outside force, typically by treaty, may not
respect existing cultural patterns
 Relict Boundary: boundary no longer used but
signs of boundary still exist on cultural landscape
 Fortified Boundary: boundary marked with
physical barrier (wall, fence, berms)
Common Types of Boundary Disputes

 Definitional: dispute regarding legal description

 Locational: dispute regarding delimiting and demarcation
 Operational: dispute regarding strict or lenient administration of the
boundary
 migration, smuggling, etc.
 Allocational: dispute regarding resources that straddle the boundary
 coal, natural gas, oil, water