Borders are not natural—they are political constructs designed to serve economic interests. As Arun Kundnani explains, while capital and goods move freely across borders, labor is heavily restricted, often through violent means.
The idea that people must be kept out of certain regions is a relatively recent development, emerging in the 20th century alongside neoliberal globalization.
This system benefits the wealthy by maintaining wage disparities and exploiting undocumented workers, all while justifying border violence in the name of security. The consequences of this system are deadly—tens of thousands have died trying to cross into Europe, and millions have been expelled from the U.S. under both liberal and conservative governments. Yet, the far right gains power by pointing out the hypocrisy of so-called liberal democracies that preach tolerance while enforcing brutal border policies. If we are serious about human rights and equality, we must rethink the role of borders and confront the economic forces that sustain them.
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