Border Security

Much has been written recently concerning the relationship between illegal immigration and border security (or the lack thereof). The concept of border security affects all of us, directly or indirectly. In the past, as we approached an international border physically, more people and communities were affected by illegal migration, drugs, and other criminal activities. This has changed considerably for all countries. Today, all across the world, whether in Denver, Chicago, London, Berlin, Rome, New York City, or Martha's Vineyard, the issues of uncontrolled migration and fentanyl, heroin, and other contraband is of paramount importance, making border security a major issue for all countries, states, and communities.

Filled with relevant information, the authors' holistic approach provides a timely foundation for anyone interested in the topic. Descriptive and analytical, the four-color text is designed to offer readers a balanced and up-to-date overview of what border security is, as well as the constant revisions to it that have occurred over the past 120 years.

In the third edition of Border Security, authors Phelps, Dailey and Koenigsberg describe and discuss:

• Various definitions of "borders," including geographical, political, and economic;
• What "border security" actually is, in relation to different types of borders and how the concept of a border developed historically;
• The classical concepts of border security, including the Walled City, Hadrian's Wall, the Maginot and Seigfried Lines, and the Great Walls of China;
• Border Patrol Operations, from 1904 to the present day;
• Present-day physical border security, including the various border fences and the impacts of illegal immigration;
• Maritime border security;
• The relationship between border security and transnational crime;
• Human trafficking;
• Transportation security as impacted by borders;
• How corruption in adjacent countries impacts border security; and
• Potential solutions to security along both the southern and northern borders of the United States.

A full set of PowerPoint slides is available upon adoption of this book. Click here to view a sample presentation. If you are a professor using this book for a class, please contact Beth at bhall@cap-press.com to request your slides.

I believe this is the most comprehensive work on border protection yet published by anyone to include the Federal government. It is the most comprehensive document for understanding the global history and contemporary context for every form of domestic and international border transgression from land, air, sea and cyber. Everyone seeking to understand the long term consequences of this problem must read it."
— Robert Scales, MG (U.S. Army, Ret.), retired Major General, formerly commanded the Army War College

This book is a definitive work on the concept of 'borders' and how governments over time view, employ and enforce them. The authors demonstrate extensive research and vast scholarship; the book is suitable for reference or general reading. It should be read by all members of Congress and border security public policy experts for a broader and deeper understanding of how borders function. The section that covers the different definitions of borders is excellent and thought-provoking.
— Diana Washington Valdez, border journalist, author, and political science professor based in El Paso, Texas

…the definitive tome on the topic as it relates to US border security perceptions, practices, and issues. The work is both comprehensive in scope and holistic in its approach.…In summation, Border Security is a comprehensive and in-depth work on border — and homeland — security with excellent utility for both undergraduate and graduate level courses. It establishes a baseline for more focused discussions on a wide range of important topics intimately tied to the international problem of homeland security. Further, Border Security provides detailed coverage of both historical and contemporary issues in a clear and concise manner for the university student and should be considered essential reading for anyone wanting to participate in border security discussions.

— Dr. Robert J. Bunker, Distinguished Visiting Professor and Minerva Chair, Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College, in Homeland Security Affairs

I was tasked with creating a course on smuggling, naturally I think about border security as well. My students will be happy to know this is the only book they need. Between it and my Homeland Security experience, everything is covered from the types of smuggling on the US/Mexico border to maritime issues as well.

— Tad Smith, Lamar University, instructor