The barrier function of Russia’s borders

Abstract

Research of state borders has long discussed a contradiction typical of many countries, between growth in cross-border flows under the influence of globalization and regional integration processes and the persistent, sometimes intensifying, barrier function of borders. Barrier functions, along with contact functions, are the main ones of any border. This article considers their relations in regard to intensifying contrasts in the political–legal, economic, and cultural space between post-Soviet countries. The dynamics and factors of cross-border interactions are studied together with the barrier function dynamics hindering or fostering contacts between contiguous territories. A point system is developed for assessing the main indices of the border function to reveal areas in Russian borderlands with different intensities of interaction and dynamics of cross-border flows for 2010–2014. A comparative study of interactions with contiguous regions in different Russian border areas has revealed a contradictory character of the dependence of cross-border flows on the barrier functions of borders. It has shown that state (national), regional, and municipal levels of interactions in the cross-border area are governed by various factors. At the national level, the barrier function to a large degree is determined by the visa regime and its application; at the regional and local levels, by the character of the settlement pattern and border infrastructure, including the density of checkpoints, their status, and regime. The result of the study is a typology of Russian border areas based on their contact/barrier function indices and their influence on the everyday life of the population.