Manifest Destiny Liberated: What Is The Price of Peace?

by | Aug 7, 2025 | Articles, Featured Articles

“I favor the policy of economy, not because I wish to save money, but because I wish to save people.” Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States.

 

Abstract

International conflicts over territories or resources have unfortunately become a defining characteristic of the modern world. The Russia-Ukraine & the Israel-Palestine wars together have already claimed visceral amounts of innocent lives. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, in regard to these conflicts, recently stated that “we have seen a chilling, systematic dehumanization and demonization of an entire people… We cannot go back to more death and destruction.”

Currently, efforts to resolve such disputes are made through diplomatic negotiations or, in some cases, arbitrations at the International Court of Justice. Yet, in a significant number of cases, these measures fall short, leading to persistent skirmishes, violent conflicts, and even full-scale wars.

In our previous article, The Economics of Peace: Exploring the Interplay between Economic Stability, Conflict Resolution and Global Prosperity, we demonstrated why peaceful negotiations are as socioeconomically advantageous as they are morally sound. Now, we are following up with a novel proposal with comprehensive framework – Global Land Acquisition Diplomacy, or the “GLAD Initiative” – that integrates historical validations, lessons learned, and most importantly, the concept of Provenance for the first time in international diplomacy, to achieve peaceful resolutions of global conflicts.

 

Introduction

International conflicts over territories or resources have unfortunately become a defining characteristic of the modern world. The Russia-Ukraine & the Israel-Palestine wars together have already claimed visceral amounts of innocent lives. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, in regard to these conflicts, recently stated that “we have seen a chilling, systematic dehumanization and demonization of an entire people… We cannot go back to more death and destruction.”

Currently, efforts to resolve such disputes are made through diplomatic negotiations or, in some cases, arbitrations at the International Court of Justice. Yet, in a significant number of cases, these measures fall short, leading to persistent skirmishes, violent conflicts, and even full-scale wars. In our previous article, The Economics of Peace: Exploring the Interplay between Economic Stability, Conflict Resolution and Global Prosperity, we demonstrated why peaceful negotiations are as socioeconomically advantageous as they are morally sound. Now, we are following up with a novel proposal with comprehensive framework – Global Land Acquisition Diplomacy, or the “GLAD Initiative” – that integrates historical validations, lessons learned, and most importantly, the concept of Provenance for the first time in international diplomacy, to achieve peaceful resolutions of global conflicts.

Land acquisitions for conflict resolutions do, in fact, have precedent. For instance, the American and French governments reached a land acquisition deal for Louisiana that remains one of the most successful land negotiations in U.S. history. The peaceful acquisition not only doubled the size of the young United States but also prevented military conflict between the American and French governments over the Louisiana territory. Although the Louisiana Purchase was not without its issues, we propose reviving this historical model and integrate the lessons learned to develop the “GLAD Initiative,” which would offer a viable option for governments when war is the only choice. The GLAD Initiative will save countless lives, protect vital resources, and reduce a vast expenditure that is wasted on warfare. Our proposal is aligned with the conceptual framework of two-State solution recently reaffirmed by UN Secretary General Guterres.

Historical Land Acquisition Deals

Two hundred years ago, the United States (US) Government negotiated the purchase of 828,000 square miles of French territory in Louisiana for $15 million. This acquisition doubled the size of the US, extended its reach westward, and granted it control over the Mississippi River, which was a critical trade route. This deal fundamentally altered the course of US history, as it eliminated the threat of French military influence in North America, establishing mutual coexistence. The deal played a significant role in the evolution of the U.S. as a formidable superpower in the world.

The Louisiana Purchase is one of the three most significant land acquisitions in history, alongside Russia’s sale of Alaska in 1867 and the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494. Following the Louisiana Purchase, the US expanded further through land cessions and the Gadsden Purchase, solidifying its contiguous borders by the late 19th century.

In recent decades, the reasons behind land acquisitions have shifted from territorial sovereignty to commercial motivations, with acquisitions occurring for farming, mining, infrastructure, and conservation. Since the early 2000s, nearly 90 million hectares in the global south have been purchased or leased by foreign entities, including governments and corporations from countries like China and Saudi Arabia. Such acquisitions have contributed to agricultural productivity, rural employment, and access to new markets, showcasing the potential of land acquisition for peaceful prosperity. Acquisitions are even happening in the United States as well; foreign investors owned at least 35.2 million acres of US land in 2019.

The “GLAD Initiative”

The concept of land acquisition as a tool to resolve long-standing territorial conflicts was recently revived on February 4th, 2025, as the US President Trump proposed that the U.S. would  take over Gaza to bring “permanent peace” to the Middle East.

While this proposal ignited heated debates, it raises an important question: Shouldn’t a structured land acquisitions executed through an inclusive and ethical framework serve as a viable alternative to war?

Let’s consider the example of 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Had the U.S. not pursued this acquisition, it would have likely faced protracted conflicts with France and Britain, leading to the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. In addition, the acquisition provided a powerful impetus to westward expansion and fostered the belief in American society that was coined as the Manifest Destiny. Subsequent work in the new territory invigorated the trade, stimulated local economies, and significantly promoted prosperity within the region. A similar effect is seen with modern commercial land acquisitions.

However, the impacts of land acquisition deals must always be analyzed in depth, as inadequate attention to stakeholder interests can lead to negative outcomes. Instead of promoting prosperity, certain commercial acquisitions have undermined farmers’ ability to produce food or reinforced social inequalities, posing threats to sustainable development and overall well-being. Even the Louisiana Purchase, while initially averting war, had long-term negative consequences.

While President Trump’s proposal to take over Gaza ignited heated debates, it raises an important question: Shouldn’t a structured land acquisitions executed through an inclusive and ethical framework serve as a viable alternative to war?

The transaction arguably exposed and deepened the North-South divide over slavery contributing to the Civil War. Furthermore, and much more importantly, in the name of Manifest Destiny, the Purchase was conducted without consulting Native American tribes, who had never even ceded the land to France in the first place. Over time, Native Americans were forcibly relocated onto reservations, losing vast amounts of land and their cultural heritage, culminating in tragedies like the notorious Trail of Tears.

Land acquisitions, therefore, require careful management under the robust framework proposed in the GLAD Initiative. The outcomes depend upon multiple factors such as the type, size, and state of the acquisition; prior land use; implementation strategies; engagement of local communities in decision-making; and other socio-ecological contexts. Research has elucidated critical processes that mediate the effects of land acquisitions on well-being, including access and commercialization of land and natural resources, availability of development opportunities, environmental impacts, and employment opportunities within and outside land acquisitions. All these processes need to be managed efficiently to minimize adverse impacts on general well-being.

Implementing GLAD Guidelines

A crucial aspect of the GLAD Initiative is protecting small stakeholders’ land-use rights, which are often the most vulnerable. This highlights the importance of Provenance, a concept emphasizing historical ownership, including ethical, and not just contemporarily legal, of the land. The concept of Provenance is now fairly established in the field of arts and in various instances has actually led to the improvements in international relations.  As humanity progresses, Provenance should be integrated in all fields, especially international relations, as it aligns land acquisition with ethical considerations of historical ownership.

For the GLAD Initiative to be both effective and equitable, it must be grounded in the principles of morality, ethics, and Provenance, ensuring inclusion and justice. This means that any land acquisition must begin with comprehensive consultations with indigenous and local communities, safeguarding their rights and voices in the process. To mitigate the impact on displaced or affected populations, GLAD Initiatives must allocate resources that ensure their socioeconomic stability, while also implementing measures to protect local ecosystems. Preserving cultural and historical heritage is essential, not just as a symbolic gesture, but as a means of honoring the identity and continuity of these communities. By integrating economic, social, environmental, and cultural considerations, GLAD aims to establish a sustainable and ethical framework for land acquisition.

 

Like any other initiative, misuse of GLAD can also lead to unintended and harmful consequences. It is imperative that we consider factors like ethical guidelines and principles, identification and engagement of all stakeholders in the development and governance process, ensuring transparency throughout, establishing clear accountability mechanisms, addressing inherent biases to ensure fair and equitable outcomes for all stakeholders especially the natives, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, and developing appropriate regulatory frameworks, standards, and guidelines. By considering these factors and actively working to implement safeguards, it is possible to harness the power of GLAD initiative while minimizing the risks of its misuse.

 

The historical perspective of power and its consequences adds weight to the importance of such an approach. In 1918, during the final weeks of World War I, German historian Oswald Spengler published Der Untergang des Abendlandes (The Decline of the West), one of the early 20th century’s most influential works. Spengler argued that the West, in pursuit of unchecked power, had “traded its soul for dominance, leading to an inevitable spiritual and moral crisis.” This theme was further explored in Robert Musil’s The Man Without Qualities, a novel that eerily captured the crisis of modernity; a world where brute power supersedes ethical considerations, leaving societies directionless and fragmented. These works serve as cautionary tales, warning against the perils of expansion and acquisition without a strong moral compass.

Given the complexities of modern territorial disputes, a platform like the United Nations may be suitable in implementing GLAD as a peaceful alternative. However, in its current form, where bilateral issues are deliberated in the presence of over 15 nations, the UN might not be the ideal forum for two-state conflict resolution. It would instead require the establishment of a specialized body within or outside UN, dedicated to mediation and facilitation between disputing nations. Such a body would be responsible for conducting in-depth research, engaging relevant stakeholders, and proposing well-informed, pragmatic solutions, ensuring that land acquisitions under the GLAD Initiative uphold justice, sustainability, and long-term peace.

 

Human history has portrayed countless times that the oppression of a populace subconsciously changes the mindset of people to forcibly accept what is presented to them. An allegory of totalitarianism, George Orwell’s Animal Farm, portrays the creation of a Machiavellian society resulting from the proletariat class’s complete subservience to their state. Such processes have corrupted the definitions of value and wealth; material and monetary possession seem to have become the only tangible form of success. Without fundamental conscientiousness, the pursuit of anything, including land acquisitions, becomes shaded with avarice.

 

The UN has already taken actions to address land grabbing, such as the adoption of voluntary guidelines calling on governments to protect the rights of indigenous peoples, the Guidance Note on The United Nations and Land and Conflict, and enhanced engagement methods with country teams. The UN has also collaborated with the World Bank to develop the Land Governance Assessment Framework (LGAF) and the Principles for Responsible Agro-Investment (PRAI). We must expand these endeavors to implement GLAD as an option to address sovereign territorial disputes that diplomatic discussions or legal endeavors at the International Court of Justice may not be able to resolve.

An integration of the GLAD Initiative into the UN Charter’s Article 33, which states that parties in a dispute should first try to resolve it through negotiation, mediation, or other peaceful means, would allow Provenance to come into effect. If peaceful negotiations and judicial approaches do not succeed, the UN may suggest GLAD as an additional approach to resolve territorial disputes involving secession that affect a state’s sovereignty and international peace.

In the case of commercial GLAD Initiatives, in addition to following UN guidelines, corporations must strive to create value for the benefit of all. With the growing understanding of Stakeholder Capitalism, global business leaders have begun taking responsibility for solving complex societal issues and adapting the principles of Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics. Such constructive steps ensure that the stakeholders who uphold these values are accounted for, thus promoting the essence of social justice with equal opportunity for all, regardless of any societal, economic, or political factor.

Conclusion

Money and markets have been around for thousands of years, yet people in societies as different as ancient Greece, India, China, medieval Europe, and even colonial America did not measure residents’ well-being merely in terms of monetary earnings or economic output. Instead, the ancient Greeks focused on interdependence, the ancient Indians exalted harmony, the imperial Chinese revered benevolence, the medieval Europeans venerated chivalry, and the colonial Americans preached equality and freedom.

Human history has portrayed countless times that the oppression of a populace subconsciously changes the mindset of people to forcibly accept what is presented to them. An allegory of totalitarianism, George Orwell’s Animal Farm, portrays the creation of a Machiavellian society resulting from the proletariat class’s complete subservience to their state. Such processes have corrupted the definitions of value and wealth; material and monetary possession seem to have become the only tangible form of success. Without fundamental conscientiousness, the pursuit of anything, including land acquisitions, becomes shaded with avarice.

Invigoration of moral values is urgently needed in today’s world that relies too often on warfare to acquire power and resources. The shift from peaceful coexistence to war-driven global policies not only costs lives but also strains international relations and drains economic resources. When diplomatic discussions and legal efforts do not seem to be working, GLAD offers a viable option that, if managed appropriately, can promote peace while avoiding conflict. The GLAD Initiative might not be able to fulfill the needs of every stakeholder, but it is an exponentially better choice than war. And, of course, further work will be needed to liberate the preconceived notions of Manifest Destiny, to allow the cultivation of a better world for us all.

 

Author Contact: Ameyavikram Pathak. ap.founder1@pfplus.org

Acknowledgements

We sincerely acknowledge Mr. Subbarao Seethamsetty, Trustee at the Princeton Foundation for Peace and Learning, for suggesting us to explore this topic; and Dr Ashutosh Kumar Pathak, Founder of the Princeton Foundation for Peace and Learning, for his substantial inputs and research guidance.

 

“As humanity evolves, the concept of Provenance must be embraced in all fields especially in international relations involving large scale land acquisition. Studies have shown that historical gaps in legal information may result from lost or destroyed documentation or transfer of properties as gift, exchange, or oral agreements. Changes in ownership can also be caused by unlawful appropriation which was frequently seen during the colonial era. In such cases, the voice and interests of the natives get buried under those of mightier stakeholders. Integrating Provenance in land acquisition endeavors, therefore, is critical to capture broader historical narratives as to how the native communities valued, envisaged and nurtured the land over time.”

– Dr. Ashutosh Kumar Pathak, Founder, Princeton Foundation for Peace and Learning.

 

 

Bibliography

 

Author

  • Ameyavikram Pathak is a Graduate student at Harvard University Class of 2026, Resident Coordinator of the Princeton Foundation's Board of Trustees, and Member of the Finance Committee of the Princeton Foundation for Peace and Learning. He has been associated with the Princeton Foundation since its inception and was the Founding President of the Young Ambassadors program - youth wing of the foundation. He also is the Founder of Princeton Foundation's sister non profit organization ResQ Global (www.resQglobal.org) dedicated to animal rights and environmental protection.

    View all posts