The cartographic authorship of the state

Abstract: This thesis is concerned with establishing a theoretical position regarding the state as a cartographic author. Critical cartography provides an understanding of the profound connection between the state and the map. I am adopting a classical state-as-actor IR-perspective in order to ascribe the state agency, and I situate this perspective in the ontological debate of structure contra agency. The cartographic authorship of the state-agent is established. The phenomena of the map is problematized, and the perspective arrived at is that of maps as territorial arguments. From an understanding of the state as a territorially defined entity, the map is ascribed a prominent role as a tool for the territorialisation of space. The discussion is informed by the study of Israeli mapping practices, and hypothesises are suggested for a theoretical framework. The study of Israeli mapping practices implies the importance of state ideology; we must clearly define the relationship between the concepts of “nation” and “state”. Furthermore, I argue that the theoretical positioning elaborated can be useful when looking at cartography in the era of globalisation. The struggle over the map reflects the changing role of the state in an increasingly globalised world.