Conflict of geopolitical discourse illustrated by the example of the geographical name of Lokrum island

Abstract

The conflict of geopolitical discourse is illustrated through the example of various geographical names of Lokrum Island on early modern nautical charts and in navigation guides. Analyzing the geopolitical dynamics between the Venetian Republic and the Dubrovnik Republic, the research highlights how geographical names (toponyms) reflect and influence territorial ambitions and political narratives. The methodological approach encompasses a comparative qualitative analysis of historical cartographic sources and navigation guides, using an interdisciplinary approach that includes contemporary research paradigms such as border studies, imagology, cultural geography, and geopolitical discourse to investigate the use of toponyms in the context of various factors such as political ideology and cartographic tradition. The results reveal that naming Lokrum Island with multiple names, such as lacroma, croma and similar names, and Scoglio di San Marco, served as a tool for asserting dominance and shaping political discourse. Special attention is given to toponyms as political and cultural hegemony instruments, demonstrating how powerful states used cartography to justify their territorial claims. The analysis shows that cartographic representations not only reflect but also actively participate in the construction and perpetuation of ideological narratives. This research contributes to a broader understanding of how cartography and toponymy function as instruments within geopolitical discourse, providing new insights into geopolitical processes.