Closedborder

Closedborder is a term used in political science and geography to describe a border regime or policy that severely restricts or prohibits crossing between two states or regions. It can refer to formal legal restrictions, physical barriers, or a combination of measures that limit entry, exit, or passage for most or all travelers. The concept is often contrasted with open-border or liberal migratory regimes.

Common tools associated with closedborder policies include border closures at crossings, construction or reinforcement of walls or fencing, intensified surveillance, visa and asylum policy tightening, entry bans or quarantines, and temporary suspension of visa exemptions. These measures can be applied domestically or at international borders and may be enacted unilaterally or multilaterally.

Historical contexts vary: borders have been closed or tightened during wars, security crises, and health emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, saw widespread temporary travel restrictions and border controls. Other periods include wartime shutdowns and responses to mass migration emergencies. The term also appears in analyses of securitization and migration management, where border closure is discussed as a state power and a political choice.

Impacts of closedborder policies can include reduced cross-border movement and migration but may also disrupt trade, humanitarian access, family reunification, and regional cooperation. Critics argue that such policies can be ineffective, discriminatory, or prolong crises, while supporters emphasize sovereignty, security, and public health considerations. Related topics include border control, border security, and the broader debate over open borders.