Incomparable walls? Challenges and construction of a comparison of pro-fence mobilizations in Israel and in Arizona (United States of America)

This article presents the main methodological issues and scientific constraints in the development of an international comparison. The comparison focuses on mobilization in favor of “border/security fences” in Israel and Arizona (USA). It sheds light on the phenomenon commonly referred to as the “multiplication of walls,” understood as the militarization of borderlands. The first issue is the construction of a comparability of these two iconic wall policies, in many respects similar though in distinct geopolitical contexts. The emphasis on the analogy of the existence of pro-fence social movements in both cases makes it possible to illustrate another function of these walls than that of the control of mobility, namely the spectacle of marking the territory to reassure the fenced-in citizens. The second issue is the identification of similar political operations led by these actors. Comparative analysis then leads to the characterization of the political fabric of border militarization. It highlights general processes (problematization, securitization, publicization) while illustrating their national variations.