Sociology and Space, No. 149-150, 2000.
Conference paper
Formalized Borderline as a Prerequisite for Optimal Cross-border Relations: Nine Years of the International Border between Slovenia and Croatia
Ana Barbič
Abstract
The first part of the paper discusses some theoretical assumptions such
as distinguishing borderlines and borderlands, presents three types of relations
between bordering states and borderland regions (“iron curtain” case, no relations
between the neighbouring states exist but the borderland residents find the way at
least for some contacts and exchanges of goods, the relations are normatively
defined and co-operation between the neighbouring states and among local communities
and their residents in the borderlands regions are developed) and puts forward
the effects of various intensity of border delimitation on different fields of cooperation
between neighbouring states and borderlands. Here the author points out
that the case of “the border in transition” has not yet the normative frame regulating
behaviour and the actions of the borderland communities and residents in
detail. The second part of the paper, prepared on the basis of researches carried
out in the last few years by Slovenian scientists in Slovenian borderlands, concentrates
on the borderland situation along the new 546 km long Slovenian-Croatian
border. Distinction between the borderland residents based on the nationality has
gained importance after the creation of two new independent states. (It is known
that the percentage of Croats within the total population of the Slovenian borderlands
has been much higher than that of Slovenians in the Croatian borderlands,
mostly for the reason of different level of economic development of borderland
regions.) The changes in everyday life of the residents of the areas along the new border are characterized by the lack of local border-crossings and by the diminished
frequency of cross-border contacts, by stressing either similarities or differences
between spoken languages (depending on geographic characteristics of the borderland) on both sides of the border, and by exposing the problems of everyday
life of the borderland residents such as cultivation of agricultural land on the other
side of the border, cross-border employment (e.g. work permits), use of services
(schools, medical institutions, shops), formal procedures at border-crossings, smuggling.
In the conclusion, the author urges the need of formalizing the borderline
between Slovenia and Croatia for the sake of diminishing the problems of everyday
life of the borderland residents and for normalizing the co-operation between the
two neighbouring states.
Keywords
new border; borderline; borderlands; cross-border relations; Slovenia; Croatia
Hrčak ID:
119986
URI
Publication date:
8.12.2000.
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