Lee Schwartz, current CEO of the American Geographical Society and former Geographer at the U.S. State Department, has some words about the U.S. government map that messed up Africa at a conference last month (previously).
Maps are occasionally used that have an incorrect border or outdated name. A word misplaced or a typo can lead to a serious misunderstanding between both friendly and rival governments. Careless human mistakes, or a lack of guidance and oversight, are usually the reason. In this case, blame can apparently be placed firmly on the careless use of artificial intelligence rather than castigating an entire diplomatic corps with incompetence. The fact that this map made it to the light of day may be more reflective of failures and shortcomings in our institutions charged with representing U.S. foreign policy than a cartographer’s slip of the pen. […]
In international diplomacy, every recognition decision, every treaty map, every territorial dispute, and every official representation as rendered in maps depend on getting geography right. While software can presumably generate maps useful for a variety of purposes, geographic literacy is still required to provide historical understanding, socio-cultural context, and precision in conflict resolution negotiations. Not accurately locating or naming countries that can be potential allies for partnership agreements, investments, or security cooperation reflects a low priority placed on understanding them—and their unique people, places, and relationships.
This seems . . . diplomatic.
