Security policy and regional development: The impact of local border traffic on the economy of the Polish‐Russian border area

Abstract

AbstractSecurity policy has a direct impact on regional development, which especially concerns border areas of countries. It can be an instrument of economic development or can lead to regression. Greater mobility is beneficial to local communities. However, this is not always a priority for central authorities who tend to shape policies, including the security one, in a comprehensive manner, without taking into account the specificities of life in border areas. This policy may also undergo a pendulum‐like evolution, for example, from restrictions through openness to renewed restrictions. An example of this is the functioning of local border traffic on the Polish‐Russian border, which was implemented during the years 2012–2016 and contributed to the development of shopping tourism and economic stimulation of the areas on both sides of the border by increasing the purchase rate of goods and services. The suspension of local border traffic by Poland for an indefinite time was justified by security issues. Nevertheless, local communities pointed to the lack of legitimacy of this action and the economic losses, demanding the restoration of LBT on the Polish‐Russian border.