Abstract 2

Introduction 2

Thesis 1 — Roadblocks are extractive rather than security devices 4

Thesis 2 — Control over circulation trumps territorial control in conflict 6

Thesis 3 — Dense trade flows are the ‘prize’ of roadblock politics, but require power 8

Thesis 4 – Rebels can outperform the state in checkpoint governance 10

Thesis 5 – Checkpoint fragmentation may be an achievement rather than a failure 12

Thesis 6 – Checkpoint taxes aren’t paid at the roadblock 14

Thesis 7 – Checkpoints make markets 15

Thesis 8 — Checkpoints are a coping strategy 18

Thesis 9 — Checkpoints increasingly intertwine with the digital realm 20

Conclusion and takeaways 21

References 23