Edited by two distinguished scholars with first-hand knowledge of countless border regions around the planet, this text fills a classroom need in border studies. Well-chosen and interesting selections give readers sharp glimpses of borderlands across distant geographical spaces and from ancient times to the present. Obviously the editors took great care in assembling their material, highlighting timely subjects and issues, providing superb introductions to each article, and gracing the text with excellent, original photographs taken by Paul Ganster himself.

Oscar J. Martinez, University of Arizona

International borders today are contested by forces for openness under globalization and domestic pressures that seek closure. In this context, this edited volume engages seven important issues facing contemporary border regions: borders as barriers; culture; migrants and refugees; partitioned groups; goods and services; the environment; and maritime space borders. Four attributes make this book notable. First, it is comprehensive, both in the composition of international scholars and the case studies they investigate. Second, it is multidisciplinary, combining perspectives from history, sociology, political science, environmental studies, and other fields. Third, it incorporates features such as a glossary, maps, and chapter introductions that will make it useful in classroom settings. Finally, the chapters are generally well done, written by some of the finest scholars in and outside what can be termed "border studies"; they include Anssi Paasi, Thomas Friedman, Michael Ignatieff, and Malcolm Anderson. This will be a useful compilation in the field. Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers.

J.M. Ackleson, New Mexico State University, Choice Reviews

In the introduction, the editors make clear that the volume is for both university students and the general public as a starting point for considering a variety of issues about borders. The work is well suited for this purpose…. Without exception, the essays are cogent and well - written.

Barton Edgerton, London School of Economics and Political Science

Without exception the essays are cogent and well written.

Political Studies Review

This volume engages seven important issues facing contemporary border regions: borders as barriers; culture; migrants and refugees; partitioned groups; goods and services; the environment; and maritime and space borders. Four attributes make this book notable. It is comprehensive... it is multidisciplinary... it incorporates features that will make it useful in classroom settings, [and] the chapters are written by some of the finest scholars in and outside of what can be termed "border studies." Recommended.

Choice Reviews