Artificial borders

Definition

Artificial borders are political boundaries that are established without regard to the natural, cultural, or historical divisions of the landscape or populations. These borders are often drawn by external powers, leading to divisions among ethnic groups and communities, which can result in conflict and tension. The concept of artificial borders is crucial in understanding the geopolitical dynamics created by colonialism, especially in the context of agreements and mandates that disregarded local realities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sykes-Picot Agreement effectively divided the Middle East into areas controlled by Britain and France without consideration for existing ethnic and tribal affiliations.
2. Artificial borders created by colonial powers often resulted in mixed populations within new nation-states, leading to tensions and conflicts that persist to this day.
3. Many countries formed after World War I exhibit significant internal divisions because their borders do not align with the cultural or linguistic identities of their populations.
4. The legacy of artificial borders is still felt in contemporary conflicts in the Middle East, where disputes over territory often stem from colonial-era divisions.
5. Attempts at redrawing these borders have been met with resistance from both local populations and international actors, complicating efforts toward peace and stability.

Review Questions

• How did the Sykes-Picot Agreement contribute to the establishment of artificial borders in the Middle East?
  • The Sykes-Picot Agreement played a pivotal role in creating artificial borders by dividing Ottoman territories into British and French spheres of influence. This division was made without consulting local populations or considering existing ethnic and tribal relationships. As a result, the new boundaries often placed rival groups within the same state, setting the stage for future conflicts that stem from these arbitrary decisions.
• Discuss the implications of the mandate system on artificial borders in post-Ottoman territories.
  • The mandate system further solidified artificial borders established by colonial powers, as it placed former Ottoman territories under European control. Countries like Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon were created based on foreign interests rather than local realities. This disregard for historical and cultural contexts has led to significant internal strife and ongoing disputes in these regions, as artificially constructed states grapple with diverse populations who may feel more allegiance to their ethnic or sectarian identities than to the central government.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of artificial borders on regional stability in the Middle East since their establishment.
  • The long-term effects of artificial borders on regional stability in the Middle East have been profound and complex. The arbitrary divisions created during colonialism have contributed to persistent conflicts, civil wars, and sectarian violence. Nations such as Iraq and Syria have faced challenges in nation-building due to competing national identities fostered by these artificial boundaries. Furthermore, as groups seek self-determination or autonomy based on historical claims rather than modern political boundaries, tensions continue to rise, complicating peace efforts and regional cooperation.

Related terms

Sykes-Picot Agreement: A secret 1916 agreement between Britain and France that outlined their proposed spheres of influence in the Middle East after the potential fall of the Ottoman Empire, leading to the creation of artificial borders.

Mandate System: A system established by the League of Nations after World War I that assigned control of former Ottoman territories to European powers, further entrenching artificial borders.

Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically, often resulting in arbitrary border creation.