Crossing conflicting state boundaries: The Georgian-Abkhazian Ceasefire Line

Abstract

In a global perspective state borders are very often contested, remain contested or at least are not demarcated and unfixed by bi- or multinational treaties for decades. However, of particular rigour in this respect are ceasefire lines, which so far have been under-researched, if not unresearched, especially as a particular type of border. As ceasefire lines are the result of interstate or secessionist conflicts, for the most part other international or third states have been involved either in the settlement of these conflicts or are even an integral part of the ceasefire line (CFL) management, sometimes in the form of a de-militarized zone. As Dan Rabinowitz and Sliman Khawalde (2000) have outlined, suspicion is part of the everyday life regime in a de-militarized zone, which is certainly the case for the Georgian-Abkhazian CFL. States and their agents pay particular attention to movement and residents in these zones with a priori sceptical attitude, and very often see their own citizens as aliens. Border-crossers or residents of these zones arouse constant suspicion of disloyalty or even treason in their everyday life.