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The article discusses the defensive policy of Belgium from 1830 to 1914 but concentrates on the period 1870 to 1914. In particular it describes aspects of fortification of the borders with France and later with Germany. Among other topics it addresses the development of Belgian system of fortresses French aggression in 1830 and the series of related treaties, the political and economic aspects of maintaining those forts, and the construction in 1870 of fortifications against Germany along the Meuse river.

The article discusses the concepts of borders during the Frankish and Holy Roman Empires. Specifically it contrasts the modern notion of international boundaries with the nearest medieval notion. Among other topics addressed are the political and social aspects of boundaries, the natural of natural boundaries, and the evolution of modern European nation-states. Specifically it describes the development of modern France from the Frankish empire and the development of modern Germany from the Holy Roman Empire.

The article discusses the view in historiography. credited to German Classical historian Theodor Mommsen, that the notion of the Rhine as a frontier of the Roman empire dates to the Roman general Julius Caesar. To comment on this view, it presents the author's analysis of Caesar's Commentaries, a book which discusses Caesar war against the Gauls and was written by Caesar on the subject,. Among other topics addressed are relations between the Romans and Celts, the political ambitions of Julius Caesar, and ethnic identities and politics within and among the Gallic tribes