In Putin's War, the Map Is Not the Territory. *Important*

[Nevilledog]

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Mateusz Fafinski
@Calthalas
"Maps have always been projections of power". Why maps matter in Putin's invasion of Ukraine and why we need to read them carefully. From medieval maps of China to Apple Maps: why cartography is so important in this war.

foreignpolicy.com
In Putin’s War, the Map Is Not the Territory
Depictions of territory supposedly occupied by Russia are misleading.
12:32 PM · Mar 7, 2022

https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/03/07/russia-war-ukraine-maps/

No paywall
https://archive.ph/axioB

As Russia advances and falters in Ukraine, maps depicting the attack have proliferated online. Such maps feel trustworthy, as maps often do. “Uncharted” means more or less “unknown”—while something that’s mapped out is planned, coordinated, and safe. Because they project a sense of confidence and security, maps assume a kind of cultural authority—and perceived authenticity.

Yet maps have always been projections of power. When looking at maps, we should focus more on seeing them as narratives, particular versions of a story reflecting a specific interpretation and angle. Maps are more novels than photos and need to be read carefully. In a war like Ukraine, closely tied to misrepresentations of history, in which Russia sends a nationalist historical advisor to head a negotiations team, maps of the past and present play a crucial role. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already made them an inherent part of his propaganda machine.

Numerous news outlets and analysts produce maps of the war in Ukraine. These maps tend to follow a similar pattern. Areas of Russian advances get colored in red, sometimes augmented with arrows signifying the direction of Russian movements. Those areas are variously described as “areas occupied” or “areas taken.” At face value, these maps tell a story of significant Russian progress and control. But reports from the ground tell a more nuanced story.

We know that Russians do not control (in a sense of at least trying to establish their own military occupation) most of these areas. While they have made some attempts in cities like Kherson, even there, the actual control is contested. The red blotches on maps are misleading. Occupation, not to speak of administration, is impossible at this stage. They are not even fully zones of control—areas where the Russian military can deny a Ukrainian presence. This is simply not how this invasion works. Russian columns rushing along main roads and fighting or encircling major settlements do not establish such zones of control. In this situation, terms like “control” and “occupation,” easily used as cartographical markings, are strained to their limits.

*snip*

[uponit7771]

1. K&R, there is no more city centered C&C hard lined to a geography taking Kyiv doesn't mean

... the UKR military efficacy is diminished.