ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the composite nature of borders, based on two main variables: territoriality and reality. Borders are an interesting phenomenon to study, especially under conditions of dynamic changes across a territory of differences and similarities. Borders are inherently contradictory doing both separating and bringing into touch neighbouring territories and their 'content', and this is also reflected in the EU's approach to, and understanding of, borders. The geography of post-communist transition has been dominated by an Areocentric, Russia-focused perspective. The role of state itself is interpreted as the main political driver and embodiment of territorial power, with borders demarcating spaces of power and control, or the state is viewed as one among several key actors following notion of 'governance'. Scale clearly matters in the process of boundary construction, especially in terms of experienced, and thus reality of, borderness. The former encompasses the conventional understanding of borders as delimitator of clearly identifiable territories, usually of an administrative nature, including national borders.
