Barbed wire through the Orchard - The study of how fenced borders affect the security of people

Abstract: The purpose of this thesis paper is to describe how a physical border affects the Human security of people living in the borderlands and to investigate how the theory of Zartman is compatible with Human security as described by Owens. The case described is the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) between Georgia and South Ossetia where Russian soldiers erect a fence in 2011. The study uses Zartman’s theory to describe the borderland. Based on the political nature and depth the situation in the borderland can be fitted into a model. This analysis will be done twice, before and after the fence. In each of the cases the situation will be analyzed through Owens definition of Human security and concept of regional relevance. Finally I conclude that the physical shape of the border is of secondary importance next to its political nature. I also conclude that Zartman’s and Owens definitions can be combined in a working analysis.