A few days ago, I was walking with my dogs on the farm. Interestingly, I am not at all a pet lover, but these boys came as a gift along with the farm, so I had very little choice. However, they soon became very friendly and protective of me, acting like guards as they walked alongside me.
The last time we went for a walk, they spotted a few dogs from the neighbourhood. Suddenly, they started barking and chasing them away. A small fight broke out, and even though my dogs are not fighters by nature, those who had crossed the border ran away within minutes.
Later, I found myself thinking about what had happened. For every species, territory matters. If someone crosses it, very few allow it without resistance. They are pushed away or chased out. It is quite natural too, because sustainability is a matter for all life. Every species requires a certain space, resources, and security to survive. Territory is not merely a piece of land. It is a living space that supports existence.
Humans also build territories intentionally. For us, territory is not just territory. It goes far beyond protecting a living space or creating a hub for survival. For many people, territory becomes an extension of power, influence, identity, and control.
If there were no boundaries, a simple human’s territory would perhaps extend beyond the Earth itself. Human greed has very few limits. Throughout history, people have constantly attempted to expand their control, whether through wars, economic dominance, political influence, or cultural occupation. The desire to possess more than what is needed has become one of the defining characteristics of our species.
Today, as the world moves through another period of global tension that many compare to a Third World War, territory alone is not the primary reason behind conflicts. The actual reasons are often economic interests, political ambitions, historical grudges, strategic advantages, and the endless competition for power. Territory becomes only the visible surface. Beneath it lie far deeper motivations.
America, for example, emerged as a powerful nation only a few centuries ago. Originally, its territory was occupied by indigenous people who had lived there for generations. At some point, welcoming outsiders and settlers changed the demographic and political landscape entirely. Gradually, the newcomers gained control over the land, resources, and systems. The land became their own, while the original inhabitants slowly faded into the margins of history. This pattern is not unique to America. Similar stories can be found across continents, where stronger groups expanded their reach and eventually became the new owners of territories once belonging to others.
Perhaps this instinct is deeply embedded in life itself. Animals defend territory for survival. Humans defend and expand territory for survival, comfort, wealth, and power. The difference is that animals usually stop when their needs are met. Humans rarely do. That may be the greatest distinction between us and the rest of nature.
Good