Border Protection (for King & Country)

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Within this work Forbes critically examines the prevailing narrative on migration and the measures taken to protect national borders, specifically in the context of the United Kingdom, Europe, the Americas, and other predominantly white settler nations. The discourse on migration in these regions is deeply intertwined with the historical legacies of Western nations' conquest and exploitation of other nations and their peoples, which has resulted in enduring consequences and responsibilities. This historical context has precipitated various forms of migration, including mass and irregular migration. However, the politics of racialised politics has significantly influences how migration narratives are constructed and enforced. For instance, prior to Brexit, there was an open-door policy towards European nations—perceived as predominantly white—while migration from regions like Africa, the Caribbean, and Mexico—characterised by black and brown populations—was subjected to stringent controls and harsh enforcement measures.

 

The enforcement methods employed to regulate migration from non-European countries are notably severe and include the use of razor wire, the construction of physical barriers such as walls, and extreme measures like drowning, shootings, human trafficking, and death. These methods are emblematic of a broader, racially charged approach to migration control that differentiates sharply between desirable and undesirable migrants based on racialised and ethnic lines.

 

Razor wire, in particular, serves as a potent symbol of this brutal form of border defence. Its seemingly benign appearance belies its vicious nature. Razor wire is designed to inflict severe physical harm, capable of tearing skin and clothing with ease. Once entangled, individuals find it exceedingly difficult to extricate themselves without sustaining significant injuries. This harsh reality of razor wire underscores its function as a tool of deterrence and violence against migrants.