Frontier at Kansas State University

“Factors that Influence Cross-Border Cooperation: A Preliminary Inductive Analysis.” 

Paper for the 2009 International Studies Association Annual Convention (Panel: "The Future of North American Integration”), 15 January 2009 in New York City.

Abstract:

Multidisciplinary inductive observations may prove useful for identifying new testable hypotheses regarding what works well when developing policies to promote cross-border cooperation. Our paper does this by exploring several noted cases of change and continuity in cross-border cooperation and conflict in the issues areas of trade, security, emergency preparedness, and mobility. Our paper utilizes multiple academic perspectives to document the evolution of cases in these areas, paying particular attention to North American examples such as the Shared Border Management (SBM) program, the agricultural and food trade, and trilateral emergency preparedness (for public health threats such as highly pathogenic avian influenza). While not deductive, this inductive narrative uniquely boasts a multidisciplinary richness that offers explanatory power. Ultimately, our paper contributes to the dialogue on North America by identifying specific, observed factors that have promoted cross-border cooperation in the North American context.

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