Borders and Security: The End of “Europe without Borders”?

Borders have existed since the birth of nation states and, as a result, walls and fences too. From the Berlin Wall and the Iron Curtain between eastern and western Europe through to today’s new border fences constructed in the course of the refugee crises, the attempt to abolish problems by separating the “problematic” neighbours has always been a part of the modern political agenda. A total of 19 walls of separation were built across the world between 1945 and 1991. Nevertheless, from time to time the reverse takes place. In 1989, for example, Hungary opened its border with Austria in order to support Eastern German refugees as they escaped into Western Germany. And yet, after the end of the Cold War, between 1991 and 2000, a further seven walls were built. We will analyse the following questions: Are we now experiencing an end to open borders and a return to border control, walls and fences? What will happen with Schengen?