Territorial Changes and Militarized Conflict

Abstract

Throughout history, conflict has more often been rooted in territorial concerns than abstract political goals. Drawing on new data, the article describes and classifies territorial changes involving at least one recognized nation-state over the period 1816-1980. Among the dimensions analyzed are the type and process of change, as well as the contiguity, area, and population of the territory involved. Analyses of violence and territorial change are also conducted. Territorial changes most likely to involve violence include those involving major powers and those regarded as more “important” (e.g., contiguous, large area, noncolonial).