Eroberung

Eroberung, or conquest, refers to the act of gaining control over territory, people, or power through force, strategy, or coercion. In historical and political contexts it denotes the capture and incorporation of lands or the subjugation of populations, often followed by administrative rule or occupation.

Historically, conquests have been central to the rise and fall of states and empires. Ancient civilizations expanded by military campaigns, while medieval and early modern powers used conquest to extend authority and reshape borders. Colonial expansion in the modern era involved overseas conquests that created vast imperial empires and transformed global demographics, economies, and cultures. Conquest could be accomplished through direct invasion, siege, annexation, or the establishment of new governance structures over conquered populations.

Conquest relies on a combination of military force, strategic planning, and political maneuvering. It can be completed by annexation, the imposition of new sovereignty, or large-scale resettlement and assimilation policies. In many cases, conquest is followed by occupation, resistance, rebellion, or negotiated settlements that redefine control. The legacy of conquest includes changes in sovereignty, law, demographics, and cultural influence, often leaving lasting political and social repercussions.

In modern international law, conquest as a legal basis for sovereignty has largely declined. The United Nations Charter and subsequent norms restrict the use of force to alter borders, and forcible annexations are generally considered illegitimate. Nevertheless, debates about conquest persist in analyses of war, imperialism, and geopolitical strategy, including non-mmilitary forms of influence and control that resemble conquest by other means.