Participants

Sabine von Löwis³; Ariane Bachelet⁴; Sofia Gavrilova¹; Anita Khachaturova⁵; Gaëlle Le Pavic²; Alina Mozolevska⁶;  ¹ Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography, Germany;  ² Ghent University - United Nations University CRIS, Belgium;  ³ Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS), Germany;  ⁴ PRODIG-University Panthéon-Sorbonne, IRSEM-Europe, France;  ⁵ CEVIPOL – ULB, France;  ⁶ Prisma Ukraïna, Wissenschaftskolleg Berlin, Germany

Discussion

The objective of this roundtable is to reflect on maps and map-making as an insightful and revealing tool to understand and learn about disruptive events in East Central Europe. In recent decades, cartographic practices have been subjected to considerable criticism, with accusations that they are state-centric and driven by power. This has led to calls for cartographic tools to be subjected to critical reflection and fundamental challenge. Conversely, the creation and presentation of maps and other visualisations of spatial data is experiencing a surge in popularity, not only in the context of infographics in public and private (social) media, but also at the individual and broader societal level.

We want to cover both streams of developments, the critical assessment of maps and mapping practices and the new manifold approaches to mapping and cartographic practices. The objective of this discussion is to examine various forms of counter mapping, including emotional mapping, memory mapping, spectral mapping and mapping as a tool for empowerment and identity construction in the context of war and its symbolic implications. Additionally, we will critically analyse cartographic mapping techniques that elucidate the origins of conflict and the performative aspects of maps and map-making. And finally we want to adress how we can systematically approach critical map making with regard to peace and conflict cartography and what role maps and cartography play to entrench divisions but also hold the potential to serve as neutral platforms for fostering understanding and advancing long-term peacebuilding strategies in the region.

Our aim is to reclaim the map and map-making as a valuable method and a rich data source, challenging conventional methods and data to better understand past and present developments in East Central Europe.