Vietnam: The 17th Parallel

International in scope and analytical in approach, "Arbitrary Boarders: Political Boundaries in World History examines political demarcations that have occurred around the world. While borders may reflect and affirm the cultural, ethnic, or linguistic perimeters that define a people or a country, this series explores how the migration of goods, resources, and people works to undermine the separation imposed by such borders. The 17th parallel in Vietnam served as both a boundary between warring factions and as the backdrop for the Cold War fight that raged in Vietnam and throughout the world. Like many arbitrary borders around the world and over time, drawing this artificial line did not ensure that further hostilities would be avoided.