Proceedings magazine is a communication tool for the Coast Guard's Marine Safety & Security Council. Each quarterly magazine focuses on a specific theme of interest to the marine industry.
Issue link: https://uscgproceedings.epubxp.com/i/284910
57 Spring 2014 Proceedings www.uscg.mil/proceedings Take a second to imagine a world without borders. While doing this, think about what borders are, the types we have, and how they affect our everyday lives. Now consider how people might function as a global society and exist in concert without the typical restrictions borders place upon everyday life. Borders are natural or manmade lines that separate people or things. We have manmade borders that are drawn on maps and charts. These borders identify geographically where countries, states, counties, and cities are located and where people can travel from one country to another. Oceans, riv- ers, and mountains are some examples of natural borders. Other borders include mental and psychological borders, moral borders, and economic borders. For example, economic borders affect the way we exchange goods and services. Many of these borders are becoming more obscure as tech- nology advances and the world moves toward an electronic age of commerce. Questions are raised such as, "Should we have just one common global currency?" Or, "Will money become obsolete, and if so, would this make our lives easier or more challenging?" Also, "What would motivate people to work and be productive members of society?" Pros and Cons Borders help governments organize the world, and they can ensure safety by allowing others to maintain order in chaotic or diverse environments. Although orderliness comes at a cost — not just monetary, but in time, freedom, and opportu- nity — if borders can be used effectively, the cost to enforce them can be considered worthwhile. So what would happen if we got rid of borders? In a world without borders, people could travel freely across the globe, without passports or worries about visa expiration dates; buy and sell products without limitations; and spend a lot less on border security, because there would be no border to secure. Perhaps people would even be more trusting, and the world would become a happy place. Or, would it? Would a world without borders solve problems or create more? The world has become increasingly interconnected and inter- dependent. The Arctic provides a good example, because melting ice is opening new routes of travel, demanding greater international cooperation. Eliminating borders may simplify immigration since people would be able to come and go as they wish, and it may help ease traffc fow, reduce unemployment, and improve economies as well. However, eliminating borders may also add to problems such as refu- gee infux from war zones, natural disasters, and such. Without borders, international cooperation will need to become truly global if we are to have a peaceful and prosper- ous future. Thinking carefully about our future and what we want it to look like can make a positive difference for all of us. Common goals and coordinated efforts to achieve them can pay big dividends. If we can visualize a world without borders, we can achieve it. In fact, it appears that we may very well be headed in that direction. As the world becomes more interconnected and effectively smaller as technology changes our lives, perhaps we can overcome the negatives and amplify the positives of living in a borderless society. About the author: Mr. Smith is a retired U.S. Navy captain with 30 years experience in special operations. He has worked for the U.S. Coast Guard since 2002, serving in many areas including port security, exercises, leadership development, and Arctic initiatives. A World without Borders Is it obtainable? by mR. micHael p. smitH U.S. Coast Guard Offce of Maritime Security Response Policy The Future of Border Security Background: Demerzel21/iStock/Thinkstock; Eraser: Zimmytws / iStock / Thinkstock Spring2014_26.indd 57 3/26/14 2:07 PM