Enduring Borders Remain Steadfast Throughout History

In a fascinating exploration of the past and its enduring influence on contemporary spaces and identities, Sabine von Loewis, a social geographer at the Center for East European and International Studies, has delved into the mysteries of "phantom borders" in her book, "The Ghost of the Old Border at the Zbruch: Continuities and Breaks in Social Spatial Structures in Western Ukraine." Published by Wallstein Verlag in 2025, this compelling work is part of the series "Phantom Borders in Eastern Europe."

The Zbruch border, a historical dividing line in western Ukraine, is one such "phantom border" that can resurface in certain contexts, only to vanish again without a predetermined course. This border, though no longer physically present, continues to exert a powerful influence on the region's identity formation.

Von Loewis's research, conducted in two villages without explicitly mentioning the former border, aimed to uncover how this historical divide might appear in everyday life. Her findings reveal that the border's influence is not permanent but can manifest in institutions, routines, practices, or spatial imaginaries.

The case of western Ukraine serves as a powerful demonstration of the need for careful analysis to understand voter motivations and the connections between the past and the present. Assumptions about continuities can often be misleading, and a differentiated, context-based analysis is essential to understand how past orders overlap and how elements are lost or repeated with different meanings.

For instance, in regions like former Galicia, people actively evoke the Habsburg period and create sites of remembrance. Yet, identity in the region is handled flexibly, with designations like "Galician," "Banderivtsi," or "Moskal" having historically, politically, and culturally different meanings. People living at the former border are aware of its historical existence but make different connections to it.

The former Zbruch border reappears in current phenomena such as voting behavior, demonstrating its continued impact on the region. However, it's essential to note that references to the past are always made for specific reasons, and understanding these reasons is crucial to comprehending the complex tapestry of identities and spaces in western Ukraine.

The interview for this insightful book was conducted by Angelika Markowska, a volunteer at ZOiS. Von Loewis, who heads the research focus "Conflict dynamics and border regions" at her centre, is committed to unravelling the intricacies of such "phantom borders" and their role in shaping our understanding of spaces and belonging today.