Territorial expansionism

Territorial acquisition by conquest

Nature

Gain in territory by military conquest.

Background

From the middle of the 19th century, the USA denied the admissibility of gain conquest and was joined in 1856 by Latin American states in pledging not to recognize any territorial change amongst themselves for any reason. In 1931 the USA formulated the Stimson doctrine indicating that it would not recognize any political or territorial change made by force.

Incidence

From the 1940s the USA denied the claim of the USSR that the Baltic republics had joined the USSR. The UK and France ignored the annexation of Austria by Germany in 1938 although this was specifically prohibited by agreements following World War I. China annexed Tibet in the 1950s. It was the action of Iraq in endeavouring to annex Kuwait that led to the Gulf War. With the collapse of Yugoslavia, Serbia has acted to extend its territory by the incorporation of Bosnia--Herzegovina.

Claim

Territorial expansionism is a grave and urgent problem that threatens global stability, human rights, and international law. When nations pursue aggressive land grabs, they ignite conflict, displace innocent populations, and undermine the sovereignty of weaker states. This reckless pursuit of power breeds violence and instability, eroding trust between nations. The world must confront and condemn territorial expansionism before it escalates further, endangering peace and justice for all. Ignoring it is simply not an option.

Counter-claim

Territorial expansionism is not an important problem in today’s world. Modern international laws, global cooperation, and economic interdependence have rendered old-fashioned land grabs obsolete. Most nations prioritize diplomacy and trade over conquest. The real challenges we face—climate change, poverty, and technological disruption—demand our attention far more than outdated fears of territorial expansion. Worrying about expansionism distracts from the pressing issues that truly shape our future.