ABSTRACT
The borders investigated are found in the European part of the former Soviet Union, in the Caucasus and in Central Asia; they previously marked internal boundaries between Union Republics or external = international borders of the Union. The borders between the former Soviet Republics are more closed than in Soviet times. In the experience of the border population, one’s own country and the neighbouring state are epitomised by border officials, whose work is usually seen in a negative light. The central government of one’s own state or the state on the other side of the border usually plays only a background – but no less negative – role. One of the things that cements border communities is a critical distance from the state due to the fact that the latter is primarily focused on state-building and national security and not on solving practical everyday problems on its periphery.
