Description

Globalization, Border Reconstruction Projects, and Transnational Crime

In response to globalization, Western nations are reconstituting geographic and social divisions through “border reconstruction projects.” This article suggests that structural contradictions in global capitalism have generated the social conditions underlying these projects. It outlines several strategies used to reconstruct borders and analyzes one key contradiction: the need to keep borders open to foster global capitalism and to close borders in response to the declining welfare state. It argues that border reconstruction projects mounted in response to this contradiction are the source of much contemporary transnational crime. Finally, conclusions regarding the etiology and prevention of transnational crime are offered.

borders, migration, globalization, transnational crime

Citation: Social Justice Vol. 34, No. 2 (2007): 33-46