Homework Responses Wk 8 & 4

Discuss the similarities and/or differences between the external borders of European Union (EU), the U.S. - Mexico border and the U.S.-Canadian border?

There are many similarities and differences between the external borders of European Union (EU), the U.S. - Mexico border and the U.S.-Canadian border. One similarity is that all three borders allow for immigrants to come through the border, however, the major difference is which immigrants are allowed to come in. The major difference between the EU and U.S. borders is that the EU borders allow all immigrants to come through the borders, with illegal immigration being almost nonexistent. U.S. borders aim to keep out illegal immigrants, keeping the border closed, and allowing only legal immigration (APUS Staff, 2021). Another similarity is that both the EU and U.S. have implemented smart borders to help eradicate terrorism before harm can be done to their respective national securities (Baird, 2016). One way that smart borders have been implemented at both borders is through the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

Explain how the borders within the EU have changed since the "Cold War"?

The European Union has seen much change to its borders since the Cold War. After the end of World War II Europe was divided between communist and non-communist controlled territory. Following the Cold War with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the former communist countries became independent. Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania were added to the map of Europe and the former Soviet republics became independent states once again (ArcGIS, 2021). Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia-Hercegovina, and Macedonia were also added to the map of Europe.

References:

American Public University System Staff. (2021). Week 8: Borders of New Europe and U.S.-Mexico Border. https://myclassroom.apus.edu/d2l/home/25704

ArcGID. (2021). The Changing Borders of Europe. https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=f5ac143810cb4d3ab8b9350f2071234d

Baird, T. (2016). Surveillance design communities in Europe: A network analysis. Surveillance & Society, 14(1), 34-58.