Description

This study examines the manner in which the
often-mentioned barrier effect of the Finnish-Russian
border as well as the greater interaction, enabled by
the gradual opening of the border, is perceived among
actors involved in cross-border co-operation or
interaction. The discussion concerning the dominant
and influential debates in the studies of borders and
border regions provides the analytical framework
within which the study is carried out. It is a
composition of several proposals, which taken
together suggest that, first and foremost, borders
are barriers for interaction. They have several
different roles, some of which are more resistant to
change.
The basic assertion of this study is that despite
its partial opening, the Finnish-Russian border and
its side-effects still function as a barrier,
separating the two sides from each other and
hindering interaction. Given the role that the border
plays, this is not, however, a purely negative thing.
A majority on both sides perceives the border as a
necessary and useful institution that is sufficiently
transparent to enable the two neighbors to interact
in a mutually beneficial manner.