Sorting Machines

The Reinvention of the Border in the 21st Century

Steffen Mau (Humboldt University of Berlin), Nicola Barfoot

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English

Polity Press
23 December 2022

Politics & government; Geography

It is commonly thought that, thanks to globalization, nation-state borders are becoming increasingly porous. Steffen Mau shows that this view is misleading: borders are not getting more permeable today, but rather are being turned into powerful sorting machines. Supported by digitalization, they have been upgraded to smart borders, and border control has expanded spatially on a massive scale. Mau shows how the new sorting machines create mobility and immobility at the same time: for some travellers, borders open readily, but for others they are closed more firmly than ever. While a small circle of privileged people can travel almost anywhere today, the vast majority of the world’s population continues to be systematically excluded. Nowhere is the Janus nature of globalization more evident than at the borders of the 21st century.

By: Steffen Mau (Humboldt University of Berlin)
Translated by: Nicola Barfoot
Imprint: Polity Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 213mm, Width: 137mm, Spine: 15mm
Weight: 272g
ISBN: 9781509554355
ISBN 10: 1509554351
Pages: 174
Publication Date: 23 December 2022
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Steffen Mau is Professor of Macrosociology at the Humboldt University of Berlin.

Reviews for Sorting Machines: The Reinvention of the Border in the 21st Century

"‘Elegantly written and sharply argued, Steffen Mau’s book examines the changed function of borders in the era of globalization. Selective citizenship, algorithmic governance and the securitization of mobility are some of the mechanisms through which freedom of movement is shown to be the privilege of only a few wealthy elites. An essential and eye-opening analysis of territorial authority in the 21st century.’ Lea Ypi, London School of Economics and Political Science ‘Territorial borders are complex institutions by which states organize hierarchies of (un)desirability of non-citizens. Steffen Mau employs his great analytical sensitivity to investigate border regimes in policy areas such as migration, labour markets and health, EU integration, separatism and war. As the building of fences and walls has again become a global growth industry, this timely and highly readable book offers important insights on the politics of territoriality.’ Claus Offe, Hertie School of Governance ""[C]ompelling and eminently readable"" European Journal of Cultural and Political Sociology"