Robert D. Hodgson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 7 June 1923 |
| Died | 4 December 1979 (aged 56) USA |
| Spouse | Margaret Hodgson |
| Children | 7 |
Robert David Hodgson (June 7, 1923 - December 4, 1979) was an American geographer and an internationally recognized expert on geographic aspects of the law of the sea and maritime boundaries.[1][2]
Dr. Hodgson believed that broader understanding of geographic principles would reduce international conflicts.[3] He worked for the State Department as the Director of the Office of the Geographer in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research.[4]
The Hodgson Seamount was named after him. In 1968, Robert D. Hodgson unilaterally extended the ceasefire line between Indian and Pakistan from NJ9842 to Karakoram Pass, after taking a cue from the US ADIZ (Air Defence Identification Zone). Maps while dealing with the question of how the boundaries of the state of Jammu and Kashmir were to be shown in US maps.[5][6][7] This led to Siachen conflict between India and Pakistan. In 1986, the US State Department removed this Hodgson's Line.[8]
- ^ "How a tiny line on a map led to conflict in the Himalaya". National Geographic Society. Archived from the original on February 18, 2021.
- ^ "Robert D. Hodgson Dies, Geographer at State Dept".
- ^ "AAG Dissertation Research Grants".
- ^ "In the world of realpolitik, most maps are perishable". State Department Newsletter: 5–8. May 1978 – via Hathitrust.
- ^ "Kumar's line vs Hodgson's line: The 'Lakshman rekha' that started an India-Pakistan fight".
- ^ "How India got Hodgson's Line erased and won the race to Siachen". Archived from the original on October 16, 2022.
- ^ "The 'cartographic nightmare' of the Kashmir region, explained". Archived from the original on February 18, 2021.
- ^ Wilkinson, Freddie (18 February 2021). "How a tiny line on a map led to conflict in the Himalaya". National Geographic. Archived from the original on 19 November 2021. Retrieved 19 November 2021.