Statehood and border security

The 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence from Great Britain is an opportunity to reflect on how we made that fateful decision, on the sacrifices made by the American people and key allies in the decades that followed, and on the very meaning of statehood. America was born with the acquisition of independence, but its journey is only beginning. A state must control its borders, protect its citizens from external threats, and ensure territorial integrity – sovereignty is affirmed by action, not just formally on paper. As Montenegro confronts transnational crime, malign foreign influences, and regional instability, this issue is as important today as it was for the United States at the time of its founding, and even now.

The essence of modern statehood dates back to the Peace of Westphalia in 1648: a nation consists of a clearly defined territory recognized as an independent state and the people living within its borders, who see themselves as citizens of that state, governed by a legitimate government concerned with their well-being and security. By these standards, America achieved statehood when its neighbors recognized its existence, when its borders were established, and when the people who lived in it—Americans—began to see themselves as citizens of the United States of America, protected and supported by a government that was responsive to their needs, including external security. This last point is particularly important: citizens cannot be expected to control their own borders and repel invaders or external malign influences without an effective government acting on their behalf. Yet in America’s case, it is precisely the principles enshrined in our Declaration that have given our nation its essential meaning.

Citizens of every country must count on a government that protects them and defends their borders from other countries, organized crime groups, or malign influences, whether foreign or domestic. Montenegro knows this reality well. Your country relies on the trust and authority given to it by its citizens – to control its borders, collect revenues based on cross-border trade, and prevent threats to sovereignty and security. This is not theory; this is the daily work of preserving what you achieved in 2006 when Montenegro restored its independence. Your diplomats and leaders have done an exceptional job since then in consolidating Montenegrin statehood.

Early in American history, our new government retained a monopoly on border control and trade, and the American people increasingly recognized the benefits of sharing a common identity—the identity of American citizens. America prospered, and the American people and their success became the object of admiration throughout the Western world. But that admiration began with something fundamental: securing our borders and protecting the rights of our citizens. You can’t protect the rights of our citizens without secure borders.

As I explained during my first meetings with Montenegrin leaders, our top priority is to finalize an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and Montenegro. This will facilitate and encourage American companies to invest in Montenegro. One of the most promising areas for future cooperation is border security. The United States has world-leading technology companies specializing in scanners and sensors – technology that would benefit the citizens of Montenegro and their security. To a large extent, this is the same technology that we have been using to protect our own borders for the past year. That is why my team and I will continue to work hard to make this agreement a reality.

We are achieving success together with friends and allies, including Montenegro. As we celebrate 250 years of independence, this is a particularly inspiring moment to represent the United States Government and the American people here in Montenegro. I look forward to what our cooperation, including the finalized intergovernmental agreement, will leave for future generations of Americans and Montenegrins.

The author is Chargé d'Affaires ad interim at the US Embassy in Montenegro.