An Anxious Border: De-facto Spectacles at the Frontier of the Republic of Abkhazia

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article explores the spatial border dynamics existing between the contemporary de-facto Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of Georgia. It focuses on the (un-) making of borders by exploring the material dynamics of contested statehood in a post-conflict situation. It does this by looking at how the “air of sovereignty” is reinforced through materiality, legal and illegal spectacles along the borderline. I make three arguments. First that the spectacles on the Abkhazian side of the border are meant to present the narrative of sovereignty in order to quell an existential uncertainty that comes with the being a de-facto state. Second, that spectacles on the Georgian side of the border are meant to present a narrative of continuation of the 1992–1993 conflict, thus portraying Abkhazia as part of the Republic of Georgia. Last, both legal and illegal border crossings contribute to the air of sovereignty and legality of the border.