ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 looks into the dynamics of border and border conflicts using realism and liberalism – the two theoretical approaches in international relations (IR) to understand the question surrounding borders and their interrelationship with sovereign states. Theoretical perspectives of territorial conflict – i.e. proximity, interaction, and territoriality – are examined to understand the interrelationship of territory/border and conflict, and how it affects interstate cooperation. The chapter concludes by suggesting a framework for analysing the role of geopolitics in shaping a sub-state region with special focus on international border with a view to make sense of the borderlands of Northeast India in the domain of interstate conflict and cooperation.
