Sovereignty, Border Securitization, and Cross-Border Militancy: Assessing Security Dynamics along the Pakistan-Afghanistan Frontier

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 10, No. 10, October 2019 | pp. 82–90

DOI: 10.46882/2019/GJPCS/101001

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Sovereignty, Border Securitization, and Cross-Border Militancy: Assessing Security Dynamics along the Pakistan-Afghanistan Frontier

Authors: Siddharth K. Nair¹, Amanuel T. Mengistu²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹School of Global Studies, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden; ²Institute for Peace and Security Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract:
The rapid escalation of cross-border insurgent incursions along the Durand Line has redefined regional border security frameworks and heightened geopolitical friction between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This study presents a systematic analysis of the structural drivers behind insurgent movements and evaluates the security outcomes of unilateral state border fencing projects. Utilizing a mixed-methods research framework that combines localized geographical field surveillance data from 2016 to 2018 with key informant security interviews, we dissect border operational vulnerabilities. The field data demonstrates that radical militant networks exploit porous mountainous terrain, deep-seated tribal linkages, and high rural unemployment to establish resilient cross-border logistical hideouts. Quantitative metrics establish that frontier regions operating without integrated, bilateral border coordination matrices experience a 65% higher rate of insurgent encounters and illegal arms smuggling campaigns. The paper demonstrates that heavy-handed tactical military sweeps fail to suppress cross-border networks when they ignore border-community economic integration. We conclude that sustainable frontier stabilization requires transitioning from unilateral fortification toward establishing synchronized, bilateral customs checkpoints and comprehensive tribal economic development programs.

Keywords: Cross-Border Militancy; Frontier Security; Durand Line; Insurgency; Border Securitization; Tribal Governance

Manuscript Timeline: Received: March 01, 2019; Revised: May 15, 2019; Accepted: July 05, 2019; Published: October 14, 2019

Citation: Nair, S. K., & Mengistu, A. T. (2019). Sovereignty, Border Securitization, and Cross-Border Militancy: Assessing Security Dynamics along the Pakistan-Afghanistan Frontier. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 10(10), 82–90. DOI: 10.46882/2019/GJPCS/101001

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