Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explains a Western and an Eastern model and also a transitional region between them. It deals with international travel. The book deals with the theory and the role of the border itself, followed by the definition of “border regime” and its constituent elements. It explores the historical background of passport and border crossing history from ancient times until World War I. The book explores the short 20th century in a chronological approach. It discusses the developments of the Western and Eastern border regimes in the Cold War period. The book deals with the same period, covering East Central Europe.