Disegnare i confini digitali. Le mappe tra piattaformizzazione, neogeografia e rappresentazione geopolitica

ABSTRACT Maps are traditionally considered tools for objectifying space, thanks to the symbolic rules and conventions that define their use. However, the perspective of critical ge- opolitics highlights how visual simplification contributes to the construction of deep anthropogenic meanings for borders and physical elements. This approach intersects with the shift from hard power concepts, tied to physical and territorial advantages, to soft power dynamics, in which culture, values, and symbols play a crucial role. In the representation of conflicts, maps play a key role as narrative devices that translate complex situations into visually accessible images. Graphic elements such as arrows and colors, now part of the media language, are used not only to represent wars but also for topics like pandemics and migratory flows, influencing public perceptions, and embedding themselves in security discourses. With the advent of platformization, map production has become democratized, moving from expert systems to participatory practices supported by online platforms. Through the neogeography framework, this study analyzes how commercial platforms redefine spatial representation and how maps, in the context of popular geopolitics, are used or both elite confrontations and broader public engagement. This study will explore concrete examples, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, to reflect on the role of maps in political dialectics. In conclusion, this study addresses the opportunities offered by participatory map-making in challenging established power structures.