Lecture Notes: The Berlin Conference and the "Tyranny of the Map"

Background

• Late 1800s Africa: Seen as a major frontier, largely unexplored by Europeans.
• Berlin Conference 1884: European and U.S. leaders divided African continent.
  • 13 European nations + USA involved.
  • Ignored existing national, language, cultural, and empire boundaries.
  • Excluded African leaders from the process.

Tyranny of the Map

• Concept: Power-holders draw boundaries causing conflicts among cultural groups.
• Modern Impact: Current African political boundaries similar to those from the Berlin Conference but differ from ethnic/national lines.
• Borders:
  • Affect power dynamics.
  • Can unite, divide, or evoke conflict.

Political Geography

• Definition: Sub-discipline examining how power is organized and moves across space.
• Power: Achieving ends by directing actions, maintained through force, manipulation, persuasion, consensus.
  • Power dynamics are spectrum-based.

Borders and State Power

• State: Independent area with defined territory and sovereignty.
• Nation-State: Governs a single cultural/ethnic identity (e.g., Iceland).
• Multinational State: Governs multiple cultural/national groups (e.g., Mali).

Case Study: Mali

• Historical Context:
  • Colony of France until 1960.
  • Democratic elections in 1992.
• Cultural Dynamics:
  • Northern/Southern divide in Mali.
  • Tuareg people feel marginalized.
  • Economic and social tensions due to historical boundaries.

Post-Colonial State Challenges

• Failed State: Loss of control over internal/external affairs.
• South Sudan: Newest state, formed in 2011 due to post-colonial tensions.

Gerrymandering and Electoral Geography

• Gerrymandering: Redrawing voting districts to solidify power.
  • Example: Wisconsin in 2012, where representation didn't match the popular vote.

Maps as Political Tools

• Maps: Can exclude or misrepresent marginalized groups.
• Best Practices:
  • Consider the map's intent and its use.
  • Engage with indigenous communities to acknowledge traditional lands.

Conclusion

• Maps and borders have ongoing consequences for past decisions.
• Encouragement to learn about local indigenous history and engage with related communities.