Border walls could have unintended consequences on trade

Three decades ago, the world was home to fewer than a dozen border walls. Now, their numbers have swelled to more than 50. In a supposed era of openness and collaboration, why are these structures not only persisting, but proliferating? According to research co-authored by a University of Chicago political scientist, border walls exist not only as manifestations of anti-globalist sentiment, but as barriers with real economic impact-some of which may be unintended. "Border walls are a symbol of the backlash against economic integration and globalization," said Assoc. Prof. Paul Poast, who studies international security using rigorous quantitative analysis. "Many argue that such backlash is what led to Brexit and to Donald Trump's election. "What our study indicates is that walls also produce material consequences, reducing legal trade as well as illicit activity." Published in the journal  International Organization , Poast produced his latest study in partnership with political scientist David Carter of Washington University in St. Louis.