Falko Schnicke – författare

Borders and belonging are of immense importance as borders are being (re)defined, strengthened, or weakened all around the globe. Brexit, the proposed wall between the USA and Mexico, the India-Pakistan border-the drawing of social and spatial boundaries is at the heart of many current debates, as is the question of what it means to 'belong' somewhere. Unlike the main body of literature, Belonging Across Borders argues that processes which occurred before and beyond the nation state also influence inclusion and exclusion. Focusing on practices and historical subjects, it re-evaluates historical sources and goes beyond the existing research to look at the interplay between different reference points (empire, nation, and region) and at individuals, exploring borders as both territorial and social boundaries. This approach is in line with recent calls to expand border studies by adding a historical perspective and using new methodologies and theories. Geographers and anthropologists have been studying this topic for decades and have produced a range of inspiring research. However, a more historical perspective is also needed: first, to emphasize the existence of different types of borders, bordering, and border actors through historical case studies; second, to underscore the historical specificity of border practices; and third, to highlight their dependence on historical contexts. Belonging Across Borders breaks new ground by applying the concept of belonging to historical studies on borders, empires, nations, and regions. It also links borders and belonging to individual historical actors and their practices, not just to institutions or social groups.

Monarchy as a form of government involves more than an individual sovereign, and encompasses consorts, heirs and other relatives. Since royals, especially in Europe, traditionally married other royals, there existed many familial ties across borders, reinforced by letters, gifts and regular visits. Royal families formed a 'club' connected further by shared status, privileges and influence. Increasingly from the nineteenth century, royal families became more global, aided by new technologies of transportation and communication. British and other European royals visited the colonies of their countries and distant independent states, and royals from Asia, Africa and elsewhere journeyed to Europe. Cross-cultural exchanges among royal families changed court cultures and had an impact on a wider public. The chapters in Global Royal Families present new perspectives on the global connections of monarchies from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s, examining cases of royal families from Britain, the German states, Spain, the Austro-Hungarian empire and Russia, as well as Japan, India, the Malay states, South Africa and the Pacific islands. It argues that these connections, and the regional and international encounters between royal families, played a significant but hitherto little appreciated role in cultural, social and political life.