And What Kind Of Layout Has Your Globe?

In public international law, one element of statehood is having a defined territory. Territory is commonly displayed through maps. Maps frequently serve planning purposes ... and for their users, maps represent something real, e.g. a destination.

Yet, what if John Doe wanted to travel to Israel, but could not find this destination on his map? Well, maybe he just was not a savvy map reader. Another explanation, however, would be that he was looking at a map where Israel was simply nonexistent. Does this mean that Israel is not a state (and that Mr. Doe should rethink his travel plans)? Certainly not!

As a lot of "states" are engaged in border dispute, the notion of "defined" for purpose of determining statehood in international law has been "adjusted" such that having controversial borders does not deprive a country of statehood. Similarly, according to an article in the New York Times, maps do not necessarily display facts, but opinions ... Click here [link to NYT article] to learn more ...