Asia's Southern Bastion by Richard Edes Harrison. Cold war geostrategic map 1950

SKU: P-7-019909

'Asia's Southern Bastion'


This geostrategic map, titled "Asia's Southern Bastion" highlights South Asia's strategic significance in the context of the emerging Cold War-era alliances and tensions. The cartographer notes that "With the decline of British power, America and Russia are bound to compete for position and influence among the peoples of the new nations of India and Pakistan". Created by cartographer Richard Edes Harrison in 1950, the map portrays India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tibet, and surrounding regions with a focus on topographic features including the Hindu Kush and Himalayan mountain ranges, which serve as natural barriers and critical boundaries for security concerns in the region. The central location of India and its proximity to both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal underscore its importance as a bulwark against Communist expansion from the north. The map is designed to visually communicate the importance of South Asia as a defensive stronghold against Soviet and Chinese influence in Asia. The view from space and the topography depicted in a 3D relief style give prominence to the mountains that separate South Asia from Central Asia and China, symbolizing both physical and ideological divides. The map thus conveys a strategic narrative that underscores South Asia’s role as a “bastion” against Communism, reflecting an American perspective on the emerging Cold War geopolitics of the region.

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Size 33 x 49 cm | 13.0 x 19.0 inches

Date Published: February 1950

Type: Vintage colour map

Author: Harrison, Richard Edes

Publication: Fortune Magazine

Fortune Magazine February 1950 Volume XLI. Number 2

Condition: Good |

Good; suitable for framing. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. This is a folding map. There is another map printed on the reverse side

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We assess the condition of each item using three categories: Good, Fair, and Poor. We strive to ensure that any significant flaws are clearly shown in the images provided and detailed in the accompanying condition statement.

Good

The item presents well, with no significant flaws, and is in frameable condition. Minor imperfections—such as light spotting or offsetting, small blemishes, tight margins, neatly repaired tears, or discreet/professionally executed restoration—do not materially detract from its overall appearance.

Fair

The item shows noticeable flaws but remains in frameable condition. Some buyers may feel these imperfections affect its visual appeal. Typical issues may include more prominent spotting, blemishes, bleed-through from the reverse, obvious offsetting, visible or extensive restoration, wear along fold lines or junctures, small wormholes, trimmed or closely cropped edges, or less carefully executed repairs.

Poor

The item has major flaws that significantly impact its presentation and/or suitability for framing. These may include heavy spotting, staining, bleed-through, offsetting, unrepaired damage, or poorly executed repairs such as tears, holes, or areas of paper loss (including within the printed image). The item may also be fragile and prone to further deterioration.