Border Security Research Articles

Dual-Structure Elements Morphological Filtering and Local Z-Score Normalization for Infrared Small Target Detection against Heavy Clouds

Infrared (IR) small target detection in sky scenes is crucial for aerospace, border security, and atmospheric monitoring. Most current works are typically designed for generalized IR scenes, which may not be optimal for the specific scenario of sky backgrounds, particularly for detecting small and dim targets at long ranges. In these scenarios, the presence of heavy clouds usually causes significant false alarms due to factors such as strong edges, streaks, large undulations, and isolated floating clouds. To address these challenges, we propose an infrared dim and small target detection algorithm based on morphological filtering with dual-structure elements. First, we design directional dual-structure element morphological filters, which enhance the grayscale difference between the target and the background in various directions, thus highlighting the region of interest. The grayscale difference is then normalized in each direction to mitigate the interference of false alarms in complex cloud backgrounds. Second, we employ a dynamic scale awareness strategy, effectively preventing the loss of small targets near cloud edges. We enhance the target features by multiplying and fusing the local response values in all directions, which is followed by threshold segmentation to achieve target detection results. Experimental results demonstrate that our method achieves strong detection performance across various complex cloud backgrounds. Notably, it outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in detecting targets with a low signal-to-clutter ratio (MSCR ≤ 2). Furthermore, the algorithm does not rely on specific parameter settings and is suitable for parallel processing in real-time systems.

International Conflict, Border Security, and State Capacity: Case of British India

Abstract The dominant approach to war and state-building attributes state development to wartime growth of extractive capacity. Yet we know little about the administrative foundation through which extractive capacity is increased spatially, beyond the central policy level. Using railways as an example of a state-building asset, I revisit the role of external threat on state-building, with evidence drawing upon detailed historical data from nineteenth-century India during a crucial period of Anglo–Russo rivalry. I find that conflict with Russia led to expansion of railways in the Northwest Frontier bordering Afghanistan, the buffer between British India and Russia, which led to improved performance of local tax administrators. The findings suggest that external conflict promotes state development through provision of logistical networks enabling greater administrative efficiency in geographically distant frontiers.

Violent Ends for Violent Devices? Non-Knowledge and the ‘Unreflexive’ Practices of EU’s Border Security Design

ABSTRACT Since the early 2000s, the EU has funded many R&D projects on border security. However, devices developed through these programmes have met ‘violent ends’: firstly, by appearing to face abrupt ends after EU funding ceased; secondly, by materialising to serve as violent border devices. This article traces the fate of devices funded by the EU’s 7th Framework Programme for managing human and non-human movements. Theoretically, it adds to the literature on ignorance by approaching debates on non-knowledge through a Bourdieusian analytical lens, and methodologically, it proposes to mobilise the concept of ‘symbolic violence’ to investigate and compare what is acknowledged and what is not, what is obscured or obfuscated in and through R&D projects. Empirically, the paper examines several projects that aim to manage people and things on the move, and which have materialised in more or less overt ways. The article argues that projects focused on border security play a precursory role in the enactment of violent devices, and simultaneously obfuscate the non-knowledge of ‘violent ends’ that shape the future of the EU’s border governance. It shows that even if these projects do not apparently materialise, they nevertheless find ways of achieving their violent ends.

Cross Border Illegal Migration and Security Challenges in Nepal

Cross Border Illegal Migration and Security Challenges in Nepal

General Border Committee Malaysia-Indonesia (GBC Malindo) from the Perspective of Comprehensive Border Security Cooperation Model (CBSC Model)

Although GBC Malindo is still standing firm since its establishment in 1972 as a security cooperation framework in the management of the Malaysia-Indonesia land border, there are still scholars who question its effectiveness. This doubt is due to the series of security issues at the land border of Malaysia and Indonesia that are still occured. The fact is, GBC Malindo has successfully addressed various issues in border security management. However, it cannot be denied that there are indeed issues and challenges faced from the unavoidable factors. Therefore, in order to verify the effectiveness of GBC Malindo, the analysis will be carried out through the perspective of the Comprehensive Border Security Corporation Model (CBSC Model), based on the evaluation of the six (6) components in the CBSC Model. This model was developed by the researchers based on the writings of four (4) scholars namely Stephen B. Jones (1945), Martin Pratt (2010), Leigh Barrick (2015) and Paul Fawcett et al. (2018) who highlighted the Boundary Making Theory, where this theory has become the basis for the formation of CBSC Model. The analysis results found that all the factors that have affected security cooperation in GBC Malindo have only been successfully addressed with comprehensive border security cooperation through the creation of a legal framework, the establishment of border institutions, government commitment through committed efforts and support, also prospering the border through the exploration of new cooperation, the implementation of economic and social development as well as dealing with security issues through border security cooperation, except in the aspect of security governance where there are still various issues that cannot be resolved and need attention by the government, especially GBC Malindo leaders and secretariat, along with in integrating the community where the level of community involvement in activities planned by Sosek Malindo is still low.

Enhancing urban and regional development for border security in Iran: A futures study of West Azerbaijan province

Enhancing urban and regional development for border security in Iran: A futures study of West Azerbaijan province

Approach to creation model of software-oriented communication network of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

Enhancing the level of information resource protection of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, as a component of Ukraine's defense forces, is an important task, especially in times of war. An effective and reliable corporate network of the border agency becomes a key component for ensuring security, coordination, and responsiveness to both internal and external threats. One aspect of developing the information space is the development of the transport network of the State Border Guard Service. Analysis of existing technologies, identifying their advantages and disadvantages, allowed for the identification of Software-Defined Wide Area Networking technology as the one that best meets the conformity criteria defined by the experts of the Communication and Information Systems Management. This technology not only allows for optimizing network traffic and ensuring high-speed data transmission but also guarantees flexibility in network management and enhances security. For the State Border Guard Service, responsible for the security of the country's borders, the use of advanced Software-Defined Wide Area Networking technologies can be crucial for optimizing operations and ensuring the highest level of information security. The article focuses on developing a conceptual model for building the corporate network of the State Border Guard Service based on Software-Defined Wide Area Networking technology. The main goal of the research is to consider the possibility of implementing this technology in the context of its application by Ukraine's defense forces and to analyze its advantages and disadvantages. The research task was to study the technical aspects of implementing Software-Defined Wide Area Networking, namely: configuration of network devices, traffic management, security monitoring, and data protection. Cisco's Software-Defined Wide Area Networking has applied an optimal approach to network architecture, which separates the control plane from the data plane of all peripheral routers and implements all control functions in a centralized software controller called vSmart. Practical recommendations from the research allowed for ensuring continuous network service by rerouting around failures and potential causes of downtime.

Cross Border Security Challenges for Bangladesh

Cross Border Security Challenges for Bangladesh

Emotions and norms in the Syrian refugee crisis: the comparative responses of the EU and Turkey

ABSTRACT This paper delves into the evolving research area of emotions and norms within international relations, focusing on the EU-Turkey dynamics amid the Syrian refugee crisis. Utilizing Emotion Discourse Analysis (EDA), it examines discourses from key EU and Turkish leaders between 2011 and 2023 to understand how their emotional responses to Syrian refugees influence the universal norm of human rights. Since the specific interconnection between leadership emotions and human rights norms remains largely unexplored, this study seeks to fill this gap by examining how emotions expressed by leadership in Turkey and the EU variously challenge, protect, or construct human rights norms related to Syrian refugees. Preliminary findings reveal contrasting emotional expressions: while President Erdoğan’s discourse often aligns with the protection and construction of human rights norms, EU leaders’ emotions reflect a tension between human rights commitments and border security priorities.

Sending pictures over radio systems of trail cam in border security and directing uavs to the right areas

In this study, a method is proposed for the trail cams to send data via narrow band communication systems in border security and counter-terrorism areas and to direct drones to the right areas. The success of UAVs lies in scanning the correct areas for observation or detection. UAVs should be fed with data to observe the correct regions, and the probability of detecting border security or terrorist elements should be increased. Instantaneous detection is performed by trail cam, which generally operate dependent on GSM. However, these devices cannot provide real-time data in border areas with low population density and no GSM service, particularly in counter-terrorism operations. In this study, the dependence of trail cam devices on GSM was eliminated, and data transfer over the radio system was established to enable real-time data flow in a wide field. After the trail cam device makes a detection, the data is sent via the APCO-25 JEMUS radio system with a capacity of 9.6 KB. The resolution of the detection image is reduced, allowing it to be displayed on a remote-control computer in less than one minute. As a result of the study, when an intelligent trail cam with object recognition capability is developed, the device can assess what the image might be in real-time. Obtaining real time detection data from trail cams in border areas and counter-terrorism zones without GSM infrastructure can expedite the direction of UAVs to the correct regions for intervention by military units. Additionally, confirming that trail cam detects via narrowband communication systems in locations where units are temporarily stationed and without alpine terrain minimizes the surveillance vulnerability of UAVs unable to perform imaging due to adverse weather conditions. This also establishes a warning system against potential attacks by terrorist elements.

IOT based Autonomous Location Surveillance System Using PNT Services

The entire set of interconnected devices as well as the technology enabling communication between the devices and the cloud. This article presents an innovative Internet of Things (IOT)based autonomous location monitoring system that is made possible by Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services. The system allows for real-time tracking and surveillance of objects or persons by combining Internet of Things sensors and communication modules with PNT technologies like GPS, Galileo, or GLONASS. The technology uses advanced machine learning techniques and algorithms to automatically identify and evaluate anomalies in the monitored area. It then swiftly reports these findings to the relevant authorities.PNT services are seamlessly linked to ensure accurate and reliable location, even in challenging Environment. In addition to being adaptable, scalable, and compatible with existing infrastructure, the Technology has a wide range of applications, including border security, asset protection, and perimeter monitoring. This work advances the possibilities of autonomous surveillance systems. In depth features provided by the research include mobile number identification (subject to legal and regulatory constraints), real-time location visualization, and centralized vehicle data management for enhanced fleet management, security, and operational effectiveness The development of sophisticated solutions that make use of precision navigation and timing (PNT) and the internet of things (IOT) has been spurred by the growing need for effective location based surveillance systems. Edge computing units, a central control unit and a monitoring and control user interface are important parts of the system. Data is processed locally with edge computing, which lowers latency and improves response times. to create a self-contained location monitoring system using precise PNT services and IOT technology. Keywords: IOT, Real-Time Tracking, Vehicle Management, Python Flask, Mobile Number Tracking, Data Fetching

Border militarization and domestic institutions

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to examine the impact of border policies and the increased militarization of border control practices on the expansion of police powers, the erosion of constitutional constraints and on other institutional spillovers. In recent decades, the Border Patrol has been integrated with the broader national security state as part of the war on drugs and the war on terror. This has entailed the acquisition of military hardware, the incorporation of organizational structures and training originally developed in the military, and increased interaction with the military, intelligence agencies, and defense contractors. The Border Patrol has frequently lent their equipment, personnel, and powers to domestic policing that has only a tangential relationship with border security. Border militarization therefore contributes to expansions in the scope of police powers and the erosion of constitutional constraints. This process undermines functional polycentricity, and thereby alters the incentives and knowledge of political decision-makers.

Navigating the Transition Tightrope: Challenges Posed by African Union Mission in Somalia Transition on Kenya’s National Security

This study examined Kenya's national security threats resulting from the withdrawal of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). This was in light of previous Peace Support Operation Transitions (PSO) in Iraq and Afghanistan, where regional instability resulted from troop withdrawals. Therefore, it analysed the impact of PSO experiences on national security, aiming to identify potential threats to the national security of Troop-Contributing Countries (TCC) resulting from PSO involvement. The study was a descriptive survey design, and it adopted a mixed-methods approach. The sample size for the study was 400 respondents and 49 key informants. The survey was informed by functionalist theory and strategic theory. Kenyan border counties are predisposed to the security effects of the KDF transition from AMISOM. The study's findings indicated a complex security landscape; that is, weak Somali security forces, insufficient funding for the transition, a short time frame, and the likelihood of a resurgent Al-Shabaab all present significant threats to Kenya's national security. These issues are exacerbated by increased border security problems, such as smuggling and unresolved territorial conflicts. However, the studies indicated that Kenya could mitigate these risks. Influencing the Security Transition Plan (STP) to prioritise strong border security measures can strengthen Kenya's defences. Strengthening the Jubaland buffer zone and helping Somalia's disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) initiatives can help weaken terrorist organisations. Furthermore, efforts in Kenya's border counties' socioeconomic development can reduce the attraction to extreme ideas. Implementing comprehensive border security measures provides an additional avenue for improving overall security. According to the analysis, AMISOM's transition represents a complicated security tightrope walk for Kenya. To counteract the problem, Kenya must address the highlighted dangers while capitalising on existing opportunities. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicated an F statistic of 139.893 and a p value of 0.000<0.05, implying that the transition of the Kenyan contingent in the African Union mission in Somalia significantly predicts Kenya’s national security. The regression weights model showed that the transition of the Kenyan contingent in the African Union mission in Somalia had a negative and significant influence on Kenya’s national security (β = -0.368, P =.000<.05). Recommendations include actively shaping the STP, strengthening the Jubaland buffer zone, and stationing enough security personnel along the border. Promoting bilateral and multilateral engagement with Somalia is critical for resolving lingering concerns and maintaining regional stability. By taking these steps, Kenya can protect its national security throughout AMISOM's handover.

A New Wave in Biometric System: Systematic Study incorporated with Artificial Intelligence

Biometric system is a technique used to identify a person using its personal identification methods. The main concept of biometric systems is to provide confidentiality and security to the user. A number of biometric systems are introduced but some systems are widely used and are famous because of their usage and security they provide. Physiological and Behavioral biometrics are the two types of biometric systems. Biometric systems include physiological biometric like face recognition, finger print recognition, ir is recognition and behavioral biometrics like signature recognition and voice recognition. All these recognition systems are discussed in this research paper. Biometric systems work on three levels: Enrollment, Verification, and Identification. Enrollment is the process in which patterns are captured from the user and stored in the database. Verification means to confirm that the sample entered by the user belongs to him or not. When the user wants to access the data then the user must use his/her biometrics that the systematic hacks that the person who wants to access the data is the real owner of the data or not. This process is identification. All three levels are the working levels of the Biometric System. In earlier years, biometrics was used only at ground levels to provide basic security to data but now the tables have turned. It is playing a major role in providing security to our data. Biometrics are not only used in day-to-day life in phone unlocking, phone assistants, attendance systems but also used at advanced levels like in airports, border security, cloud computing etc. In this research paper, we will discuss the future scope of biometric systems and how it could even change the future.

Functional or Neglected Border Regions? Analysis of the Integrated Development Plans of Borderland Municipalities in South Africa

The mainstream approach of regional integration impact assessments is mainly limited to assessing cross-border development projects/programmes. There is still a lack of critical assessment of how stakeholders at different institutional levels conceptualise the border. Local (municipal) strategic plans provide a reflection of the spatial imaginaries of stakeholders, perception planners, institutional power structures, and, to some extent meaning of the border to the local people. Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) in South Africa were adopted as an important development planning strategy in the post-apartheid era. IDPs of 49 borderland municipalities were systematically reviewed using the Key-Word-in-Context (KWIC) content analysis technique of the keyword ‘border’ to determine the importance of state borders in light of regional integration. Border security and management is one of the most common themes associated with the border. This suggested that borders were mainly perceived as threats and barely considered as a potential resource for cross-border cooperation or integration.

African Union Mission in Somalia Considerations for Transition and Kenya’s National Security

This study assessed the implications of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on Kenya's national security within the context of AMISOM's transition to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The objective of the study was analyse achievement of African Union Mission in Somalia mandates, to examine the effects to Kenya's National security and assess transition strategies of national security. The study was guided by Functionalist, Strategic and Securitisation theories. The research employed a mixed-methods research design using questionnaire surveys and interviews with respondents in Kenya's border counties most affected by Somali instability. Study findings established that, while a majority (52%) believe AMISOM has achieved its mandate to a moderate extent, concerns remain regarding the capacity of Somali Security Forces (SSF) and the overall stability of Somalia. In addition, study findings established that while progress has been made in degrading Al-Shabaab and supporting the Somali Federal Government (FGS). However, only a third of respondents believe the SSF has been adequately mentored by AMISOM. Despite success in facilitating humanitarian assistance and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects, nearly two-thirds believe Somalia lacks the conditions necessary for long-term stability. The study concludes that AMISOM's transition strategy inadequately addresses governance and security aspects essential for Kenyan security. Weak SSF and FGS capacity pose a threat of failed stabilization after AMISOM's withdrawal. Additionally, Kenya's current border security measures are insufficient to manage potential spill over effects. ANOVA indicated an F statistic of 134.318 and a p value of 0.000<0.05 thus the Somalia PSO strategies significantly predict Kenya’s National Security. Regressions weight model (β = -0.451, P = .000<.05) implied that Nature of Somalia PSO strategies negatively influences Kenya’s National Security. The study recommends a revision of the AMISOM transition strategy to include capacity building for FGS and SSF, including forces in federal member states like Jubaland; allocation of sufficient time for a well-monitored transition with clear benchmarks; an exploration cautious negotiations with Al-Shabaab, contingent on a strong FGS and a hybrid AU-UN peacekeeping mission to succeed ATMIS to ensure Kenya's long-term security.

A method of three-dimensional muon imaging using cosmic ray ground array

Cosmic ray muon imaging technology is an effective non-destructive imaging technique. It is currently used to survey the internal structure of large-scale objects such as active volcanoes, pyramids, and some buildings. Additionally, it is used to detect high-Z materials in scenarios such as border security, nuclear reactor monitoring, and container inspection. All applications of cosmic ray muons require a detector to reveal and measure the flux or angular variations of muons. However, detectors may have specific characteristics for each application depending on the detection requirements. Unlike single-point track detectors, we propose using ground array detectors to investigate how ground array detection technology can be used for 3D reconstruction of objects. We use ground array detection technology for simulation studies and apply the Iterative Correction Algorithm (ICA) to reconstruct two-dimensional projections and obtain three-dimensional images of density distribution. We have also addressed the convergence problem and analyzed and optimized some parameters that may affect the detection results. The advantages of using ground arrays include their ability to simultaneously measure the transmittance flux data of muons in different directions, achieve multi-angle detection, and have a large field of view, enabling the collection of sufficient data for more accurate detection results. To verify the feasibility of our new method, we conducted a simple experimental validation on a cylindrical cement building located in the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). By comparing the experimental results with the cement building in the array, we found that their shape structure and density information are basically consistent, demonstrating the effectiveness of our method.

The politics of sensemaking: Framing contests in border control during the EU “migration crisis”

Organizing an effective crisis response requires that actors collectively make sense of a situation by exchanging their interpretations and understandings. Current sensemaking studies predominantly adopt a short-term perspective on this process, focusing on how actors recognize and respond to deviant cues. This focus tends to obscure how organizational politics influences the sensemaking process. In this paper, we study how actors exert influence over sensemaking processes by analyzing how organizational members frame situations and challenge one another's understandings. Empirically, we focus on the response of Dutch Border Security Teams to the “migration crisis” at Chios, Greece, drawing from a 2-year multisite study consisting of two field visits and 47 interviews. Our analysis shows that organizational members used discursive, symbolic, and situated framing practices to influence one another's sensemaking. Based on these theoretical constructs, we are able to explain how frame hegemony emerged that entirely countered initial adaptive sensemaking at the frontline. We contribute to the sensemaking literature by theorizing the politics of sensemaking in turbulent environments.

Acute Stress Symptoms, Intolerance of Uncertainty and Coping Strategies in Reaction to the October 7 War.

On 7 October 2023, hundreds of armed Hamas fighters breached the security border fence and entered Israel from the Gaza Strip. More than 1400 Israeli citizens were murdered, and 239 individuals were kidnapped. Many Israeli citizens experienced these occurrences as psychologically traumatic events that caused stress and uncertainty. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between exposure to war (in more distant circles), intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and disengaged coping on acute stress symptoms (ASS). First, we examined whether exposure to war and IU were directly associated with ASS. Second, we tested the mediating role of disengaged coping in the relationship among war exposure, IU and ASS. This cross-sectional study involved 393 Israeli citizens. Participants answered questionnaires on exposure to war, IU, coping strategies and ASS. The study results indicate that higher exposure and higher levels of IU were directly associated with more intensive ASS, and this association was partially mediated by higher use of disengaged coping strategies. Individuals during wartime are at risk of experiencing high levels of ASS and developing ASD. However, degree of exposure to war alone was not associated with ASS, but it was related to personal resources and coping strategies.

Construction of Athletes' Physical Condition Monitoring and Analysis System Using Biometrics Recognition Technology

Biometrics recognition technology utilizes unique biological characteristics such as fingerprints, iris patterns, facial features, or voiceprints to identify and authenticate individuals. Through advanced algorithms and pattern recognition techniques, biometric systems capture and analyze these physiological or behavioral traits to verify a person's identity. This technology offers high levels of security and accuracy, making it valuable for various applications including access control, time and attendance tracking, border security, and digital payments. The construction of an athletes' physical condition monitoring and analysis system utilizing biometric recognition technology represents a significant advancement in sports science. By integrating cutting-edge biometric sensors and recognition algorithms, this system provides real-time insights into athletes' physiological parameters and performance metrics. Athlete performance monitoring and analysis play pivotal roles in optimizing training strategies, preventing injuries, and enhancing overall athletic performance. In this paper, we propose a novel approach leveraging the Hybrid Multi-Instance Ensemble Classifier (HMIEC) combined with biometric recognition technology to accurately classify athlete data and assess their physical condition. Our study explores the effectiveness of HMIEC across multiple biometric modalities, including ECG-based, fingerprint-based, and facial recognition, in identifying athletes and monitoring their physical parameters. Through a series of experiments and analyses, demonstrate HMIEC's superior classification performance compared to other classifiers, with high accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC). The reductions in heart rate from 75 to 65 beats per minute, increase in oxygen saturation levels from 98% to 99%, decreases in blood pressure readings from 120/80 mmHg to 110/70 mmHg, and enhancements in flexibility from 30 to 35 centimeters, muscle strength from 100 lbs to 120 lbs, and endurance capacity from 20 to 25 minutes.