Limitrophs is a term that initially referred to the states formed on the territory of the former Russian Empire after 1917. In the 1990s, this definition began to refer to countries that took shape after the collapse of the Soviet Union. After the victory in the Great Patriotic War, this term began to be used in a historical context, since at that time some of the lands that had previously been part of the empire returned to the Soviet state.
History of the term
Limitrophes is a definition that has deep historical roots. In ancient times, this was the name given to the border areas of the Roman Empire, which were required to support imperial troops. The word means “bordering on”, which emphasizes the obligation of the local population to maintain state military formations at their own expense. The concept was officially fixed in 1763. Subsequently, this term began to be understood as new countries on the western borders of the Russian Empire: the Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian states. Sometimes Finland and Poland are added to this list.
Use in the 20th century and today
Limitrophes is a concept that in the 20s of the last century meantborder states neighboring Soviet Russia (primarily the B altic lands and Finland). At the end of the century, Tsymbursky introduced the practice of using this word in the geopolitical sense. From now on, this word began to be applied to countries that are adjacent to one common center, and are connected with it by economic ties, the similarity of culture, language, and traditions. Nowadays, with the accelerated process of globalization, this word denotes those states that are not only geographically adjacent to one center, but are also connected with any power by informational, economic relations. In the latter case, limitrophes are states that can be territorially separated from the center, but retain cultural ties with it.
The concept of tutoring
Many modern political scientists have proposed a geopolitical interpretation of the concept under consideration. They believe that major powers deliberately establish their influence in smaller states in order to maintain their positions in a particular region. Some scientists believe that Cuba at one time was in the zone of influence of the USSR, although it was removed from it, and Vietnam was under the influence of the United States. Thus, a limitrophe state is a country that is the ideological, economic support of a large center. Historians note that both authoritarian and liberal democratic regimes seek to create their own spheres of influence.
The problem of borders with other states
Country data sometimeshave artificial borders, which are formed as a result of an agreement between neighbors. Therefore, the concept under consideration is closely related to the definition of "buffer state". This term is commonly understood as a state formation that arose between two others that could not decide on the boundaries between themselves. They are the scene of hidden geopolitical struggles of the larger powers. This situation was observed in the twentieth century, especially after the end of the First World War. Limitrophic regions were often formed as a result of confrontation between various blocs of countries belonging to different camps. This can be seen very well in the events of the Cold War, when the Soviet leadership adopted a doctrine according to which it had a certain area of influence outside its borders, in which the actions of other states are unacceptable. In political science, this situation is referred to as critical boundaries.
Methods of interaction
Limitrophes are an integral part of the modern geopolitical space. Russia is surrounded by a number of states, former Soviet republics, which even today maintain fairly close economic, political and cultural contacts with our country. Relations are diverse: the exchange of resources, professional staff, the creation of a single information space, financing and lending. Nowadays, trade, investments, banking investments have acquired great importance. All this reduces the distance between states and promotes their integration. The B altic limitrophs arecountries that were formerly part of the Soviet Union and are now our country's western neighbors. Relations with them are quite complex and ambiguous due to a whole range of contradictions that have accumulated over the past few decades.
Conflicts
In the 20th century, limitrophs often became the object of armed confrontation between powers for economic and ideological influence. During the Cold War, it was on their territories that local conflicts often flared up between representatives of two opposing camps. Often the goal of the confrontation is the struggle for natural resources, which are so necessary to maintain the power, prestige and authority of a particular power. Often, the territory of the state of the limitrophe became an arena for opposition from major powers. Often these countries provide their allies with places to host economic enterprises or military bases. History shows that countries have become limitrophes both voluntarily and under duress.
Views of modern states
Modern political scientists conditionally divide states according to their geopolitical influence into superpowers, regional powers and small countries. The latter, as a rule, become limitrophes. Due to their weak economic development, they adjoin a larger and stronger state and fall under its influence. However, economically developed states, which, due to economic interests or practical benefits, are included in the orbit of influence of any power, can become limitrophes. Suchpublic entities pursue independent policies and retain the ability to change course.
