Abstract A map, a carrier of spatial analysis, is indispensable to global geopolitical analysis. Being a basic spatial framework, any map projection plays an important role in the global geopolitical analysis. This paper intends to research geopolitical meaning of map projection from a cognitive perspective. Firstly, we define the core concepts of geopolitical analysis and map projection, making clear the level of geopolitical analysis and the classification of map projection. Secondly, through using inductive and graphic methods, we systematically introduce four cognitions of spatial image: structure cognition, central direction cognition, distance cognition and area cognition, which will be formed in people's mind when they observe the world maps experienced distortion. The four cognitions of spatial image which are assembled into a world image map create a multidimensional spatial thinking condition. In this process, we compare them each other. Thirdly, we deeply think the important role of world map projection in global geopolitical analysis. In the regional research, world map projection provides different global perspectives for the regional geopolitical analysis; In the research of global issues, world map projection paves a new thinking way for the assessment and solution of global issues from the perspective of cartography. Lastly, we draw three inspirations from the above discussion. Firstly, map projections effectively deal with the variability and stability of global geopolitical analysis; secondly, we should pay more attention to the choice of world map projections; thirdly, technological science has its potential values in the research of cognitive science as well as humanities and social sciences, which is an important origin of innovative analysis. Although any map projection belongs to technological science, it is mixed with many shadows of subjective cognitions. It is the analytic tool for readers as well as the promotional tools for cartographers and politicians. In a word, map projections have great value in the research of international relations.
2014, Vol. 29 
