This year

For information about the Americas Project 2012, please check back with us in April.

21st Century Borders in the Americas
Americas Project 2011
October 12-15, Houston, Texas

The 2011 Americas Project brought together young leaders from various countries in the Americas to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by their border regions. Among the topics discussed were the shared responsibilities of border management, economic growth, security and social development.

Borders have a long history of determining how countries interact with one another politically, economically and socially. Border management policies have dramatically gained importance as countries and regions integrate at accelerated rates. Through these policies, decision-makers have the power to promote or hinder the social and economic development of neighboring countries and regions. The national policies also have significant local implications that impact the daily lives of people living in border regions.

The current borders in the Americas are the result of historical events such as wars, colonization and negotiation. Some border regions enjoy political and economic stability while others are areas of tension and controversy.

The 2011 Americas Project participants shared their insights, concerns and ideas regarding more effective border management in the region. The economic, social and security aspects of the border regions formed the general framework of their discussions. The participants’ broad range of professional and cultural backgrounds brought unique insights to the topics under discussion.

General roundtable topics

Economic development — Participants discussed how borders can advance or hinder economic development. Participants focused on trade between countries that share borders, and discuss the policies that promote and deter trade flows. They also took into account the importance of the context in which these policies are being crafted.

Social development — Participants explored how each country influences the cultural and social environments of other countries. They explored how different cultural backgrounds become more apparent, or less distinct, when individuals from neighboring countries communicate and interact in a border region. Participants discussed how language, culture and traditions influence the border region in which they live and how these factors compare to the rest of the country.

Security relations — Participants discussed how security issues drive some of the public policies affecting borders today. They discussed the various resources allocated by each country to maintain border security. Furthermore, they discussed the challenges faced by border regions when the political atmosphere shifts and policies regarding cooperation between nations fade.