A border established after significant settlement or cultural landscape development. These boundaries frequently adjust to existing cultural, ethnic, or economic factors. They differ from antecedent boundaries, which are defined before substantial human modification of a region. Often, the evolution of settlement patterns and resource exploitation dictates the eventual border location.
The significance of such lines lies in their reflection of existing human geographies. This type of political demarcation can lead to greater stability if it aligns with established social divisions. However, it can also perpetuate or exacerbate inequalities depending on how accurately it represents the distribution of power and resources at the time of its creation. Historically, many international borders across Europe and Africa were demarcated in this manner, attempting to account for language differences or tribal territories. Success was variable, and the legacy of these lines continues to shape geopolitics today.