Maps. They tell us the mysteries of the ground upon which we walk. They also highlight the strategies humans have used to mold and shape their lives in their front and backyards, according to their topography, throughout history. I have always loved maps and associate them with new adventures, unique learnings about the world, trail networks in our local Forest Park, and even childhood treasure maps my brother and I created for each other. When I saw that our two readings this week involved maps, I was intrigued.<\/p>\n
Prisoners of Geography<\/em><\/strong>: Ten Maps that Explain Everything about the World<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Prisoners of Geography<\/em>: Ten Maps that Explain Everything about the World,<\/em> by Tim Marshall, provided an explanation of the ways in which world leaders have developed their strategies for defense and survival around the geography of their nations. Through the illustrations of ten global maps, Marshall points out that, \u201cThe land on which we live has always shaped us. It has shaped the wars, the power, politics, and social development of the peoples that now inhabit nearly every part of the earth.\u201d[1]<\/a> He goes on to say that the choices our leaders make will always be influenced by the rivers, mountains, deserts, lakes, and oceans that \u201cconstrain us all \u2013 as they always have.\u201d[2]<\/a> These maps \u201cdemonstrate geopolitical fault lines and where political geography potentials lie.\u201d[3]<\/a> In the author\u2019s opinion, understanding geopolitics and the ways in which people have lived on their land throughout time are crucial to developing an informed view of the world, now and in the future.[4]<\/a><\/p>\n The Map that Changed the World: William Smith and the Birth of Modern Geology<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The Map that Changed the World: William Smith and the Birth of Modern Geology<\/em>, by Simon Winchester, is the story of William Smith\u2019s discovery of the various strata of the earth and the hand-drawn map he created to reflect those strata. His groundbreaking learnings allowed people to predict the location of natural resources underneath the surface of the earth and broadened human understanding of our world.[5]<\/a> Says Professor George Davis of the University of Arizona, Smith\u2019s discovery \u201cchanged the world of earth sciences and geology and natural history because he basically uncovered the fact that there are such stratigraphic systematics in any given region\u2026and it\u2019s going to be possible to apply this same kind of methodology to any part of the world. Now, we\u2019re applying it to the sea floor bottom.\u201d[6]<\/a><\/p>\n A Personal Reaction to the Content<\/strong><\/p>\n I found the information in these books fascinating. At the same time, as I read, I had a feeling of unsettledness. For the purpose of this blog, I will focus my reactions on just one of the books, Prisoners of Geography.<\/em><\/p>\n On the One Hand<\/u><\/p>\n I enjoyed and was drawn into this book and learned insights regarding geopolitics that I had not before considered. I especially found Marshall\u2019s discussions on the importance of oceans interesting. I must admit, it had never occurred to me that the extensive Atlantic and Pacific coastlines provide the United States with specific advantages over most other parts of the world. Immediately, my perspective changed on how our leaders have shaped their military and economic strategy throughout our country\u2019s short history. The importance of countries having access to warm water ports also caught my attention. For example, he quotes Peter the Great as encouraging his descendants to do whatever it takes to access warm water, so that they can engage in trade year-round.[7]<\/a> This explains, in part, Russia\u2019s invasion of Crimea which secured their access to the Port of Sevastopol.[8]<\/a><\/p>\n Marshall frequently refers to the disadvantages of the landlocked states. Douglas Webster, professor in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning at Arizona State University, notes that in regard to ocean access, Marshall\u2019s argument is in line with the current thinking of international development agencies.[9]<\/a> He goes on to cite a report entitled, \u201cThe Role of Geographical Factors in Graduation Performance,\u201d which finds that a large percentage of the world\u2019s \u201cleast developed countries\u201d are landlocked.[10]<\/a> As the title of the article indicates, it is interesting to think that a country\u2019s inaccessibility to an ocean could potentially affect the school graduation rates of it\u2019s youth.<\/p>\n On the Other Hand<\/u><\/p>\n I appreciate the knowledge gained through this book and at the same time, it bothered me. When I think of the geography of the world, I picture mountains, rivers, oceans, and valleys and the amazing Creator who designed and shaped them. I think of the many ways in which these lands and waters reveal the powerful, vulnerable, peaceful, calm, beautiful character of God. Marshall\u2019s story of geography takes the reader in a different direction. He describes what humans have done and what humans will do, based on the lay of the land where they live. I feel unsettled by this reality. I\u2019m having a difficult time reconciling the use of mountains, oceans, rivers, and plains to fulfill the needs of some, take from others, draw boundaries to keep people in or out, and justify military wars and economic battles. I understand this behavior from a human perspective. What are nations to do in our current world where danger is present and resources can be scarce?<\/p>\n It\u2019s just that, God created the world and everything in it, breathed in life, and called it good. And it seems we have carved it up, battled for it, and called it mine.<\/p>\n Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n I will continue to wrestle with this concept of how leaders, particularly world leaders, in 2023 can lead in our current context and still hold onto awe and respect for a magnificent universe, constructed and formed by a generous and loving God.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n [1]<\/a> Tim Marshall, Prisoners of Geography: 10 Maps That Explain Everything About the World<\/em> (New York, NY: Scribner, 2015), 1.<\/p>\n [2]<\/a> Marshall, 2.<\/p>\n [3]<\/a> Necati Anaz, \u201cPrisoners of geography: ten maps that explain everything about the world, by Tim Marshall,\u201d\u00a0Strategic Analysis<\/em>,\u00a040:4,\u00a02016, 334-336,\u00a0DOI:\u00a010.1080\/09700161.2016.1184791<\/a>, 335.<\/p>\n [4]<\/a> Marshall, 7.<\/p>\n [5]<\/a> Simon Winchester, The Map That Changed the World: William Smith and the Birth of Modern Geology<\/em> (New York, NY: Harper Perennial, 2009), xxi.<\/p>\n [6]<\/a> Interview with Edmund Nickless and George Davis, \u201c200-Year Anniversary Celebration 2015,\u201d The Geological Society of America, youtube.com\/watch?v=5UfGqgbscmQ, 2:33.<\/p>\n [7]<\/a> Marshall, 19.<\/p>\n [8]<\/a> Marshall, 22.<\/p>\n [9]<\/a> Douglas Webster, \u201cPrisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Explain Everything About the World,\u201d\u00a0The American Association of Geographers Review of Books<\/em>,\u00a05:3,\u00a02017, 192-194,\u00a0DOI:\u00a010.1080\/2325548X.2017.1315255<\/a>, 193.<\/p>\n