Sovereignty, Border Securitization, and Transboundary Security Dynamics: Assessing Cross-Border Insurgent Corridors along the Kurdish Frontier

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 13, No. 10, October 2022 | pp. 82–90

DOI: 10.46882/2022/GJPCS/131001

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Sovereignty, Border Securitization, and Transboundary Security Dynamics: Assessing Cross-Border Insurgent Corridors along the Kurdish Frontier

Authors: Youssef Al-Masri¹, Viktor I. Morozov²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Political Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; ²Department of International Security Studies, Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Moscow, Russian Federation

Abstract:
The rapid escalation of cross-border insurgent incursions and subsequent regional military campaigns has redefined northern Middle Eastern border security frameworks and heightened geopolitical friction between adjacent states. This study presents a systematic analysis of the structural drivers behind insurgent movements and evaluates the security outcomes of unilateral state border fencing and drone surveillance projects. Utilizing a mixed-methods research framework that combines localized geographical field surveillance data from 2019 to 2021 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; Kurdish Frontier; Insurgency; Border Securitization; Regional Geopolitics

Manuscript Timeline: Received: March 12, 2021; Revised: May 28, 2021; Accepted: July 19, 2021; Published: October 14, 2022

Citation: Al-Masri, Y., & Morozov, V. I. (2022). Sovereignty, Border Securitization, and Transboundary Security Dynamics: Assessing Cross-Border Insurgent Corridors along the Kurdish Frontier. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 13(10), 82–90. DOI: 10.46882/2022/GJPCS/131001

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