Transit through terror: The architecture of international mobility after 9/11

This chapter first reflects upon the relationship between mobility and modernity and then notes terrorism's objectives in general. It then briefly revisits September 11's cognitive and policy impacts on the organizational architecture of cross-border individual mobility, primarily in relation to commercial air travel. The post-9/11 security environment has lent unwarranted legitimacy to periodically 'too strong states' that have been indifferent to the individual and societal costs of clumsy border enforcement. Secure and just states will increasingly rely on non-state sources of information in their screening of cross-border individual mobility. Well-designed ICT applications may simultaneously facilitate legitimate individual mobility, and more precise and effective border screening and security. One vision is sketched of how a personal e-portfolio, containing mostly verifying information from non-state sources but in a common format acceptable to state authorities, might work to facilitate mobility. Finally, the problems presented by weak states are noted, and the attendant need for development aid to prioritize the strengthening of private mechanisms of certification and verification.