Sovereignty, Border Securitization, and Cross-Border Insurgency: Assessing Security Dynamics along the Myanmar-Bangladesh Frontier

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 12, No. 10, October 2021 | pp. 82–90

DOI: 10.46882/2021/GJPCS/121001

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Sovereignty, Border Securitization, and Cross-Border Insurgency: Assessing Security Dynamics along the Myanmar-Bangladesh 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 localized military operations and subsequent mass displacement across the Arakan frontier has redefined regional border security frameworks and heightened geopolitical friction between Myanmar and Bangladesh. This study presents a systematic analysis of structural drivers behind cross-border militant movements and evaluates the security outcomes of unilateral state border militarization projects. Utilizing a mixed-methods research framework that combines satellite geographical surveillance data from 2017 to 2020 with key informant security interviews, we dissect frontier operational vulnerabilities. The field data demonstrates that insurgent networks exploit porous coastal geography, shared ethnic displacement trauma, and high border-zone unemployment to establish resilient operational structures. Quantitative metrics establish that frontier regions operating without integrated, bilateral border communication matrices experience a 65% higher rate of unauthorized border skirmishes and black-market smuggling operations. The paper demonstrates that heavy-handed tactical military sweeps fail to suppress cross-border networks when they ignore refugee rehabilitation. We conclude that sustainable frontier stabilization requires transitioning from unilateral fortification toward bilateral customs checking frameworks and international refugee resettlement programs.

Keywords: Cross-Border Insurgency; Border Securitization; Arakan Frontier; Refugee Displacement; Maritime Smuggling; Geopolitical Friction

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 05, 2020; Revised: September 02, 2020; Accepted: November 15, 2020; Published: October 14, 2021

Citation: Nair, S. K., & Mengistu, A. T. (2021). Sovereignty, Border Securitization, and Cross-Border Insurgency: Assessing Security Dynamics along the Myanmar-Bangladesh Frontier. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 12(10), 82–90. DOI: 10.46882/2021/GJPCS/121001

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