TLDR;
This video provides a comprehensive overview of the geopolitical changes that have occurred on the world map between 2001 and 2025. It covers territorial disputes, the emergence of new countries, shifts in political power, and the redrawing of borders due to conflicts and agreements.
- Territorial disputes and resolutions, such as those between Qatar and Bahrain, China and Tajikistan, and numerous ICJ rulings.
- The emergence of new countries like East Timor and South Sudan, and the contested independence of Kosovo.
- Major conflicts including the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Ukraine, and their impact on territorial control and political landscapes.
- Expansions of international organizations like NATO and the European Union, and the shifting alliances and relationships between countries.
Qatar and Bahrain Territorial Dispute [0:40]
In March 2001, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) resolved a decades-long territorial dispute between Qatar and Bahrain over the Hawar Islands and the town of Zubara. The ICJ awarded most of the Hawar Islands to Bahrain and the town of Zubara to Qatar. Both countries recognized and respected the ICJ's decision, leading to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Flag Changes and the Invasion of Afghanistan [1:14]
In 2001, Comoros and Rwanda significantly altered their national flags. In October 2001, the US and NATO launched an invasion of Afghanistan to topple the Taliban regime following the 9/11 attacks. By December, the Taliban were ousted, and the country's name changed from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. In 2004, a US-backed democracy was established, renaming the country to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and introducing a new flag.
East Timor's Independence [1:57]
In 2002, significant geographic changes occurred, including East Timor gaining independence. East Timor, a former Portuguese colony, declared independence in 1975 but was invaded and occupied by Indonesia. Under international pressure, Indonesia allowed a referendum in 1999, where 78.5% of voters chose independence. Despite violence and destruction by pro-Indonesian militias, a UN intervention led to East Timor's uncontested independence in May 2002, marking it as the 21st century's first new country, adopting the name Timmer-Lestee.
Name Changes and the Invasion of Iraq [4:08]
In February 2003, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia changed its name to the State of Serbia and Montenegro. In March, a US-led coalition invaded Iraq, toppling Saddam Hussein's regime. The US occupation forces helped establish a new government, leading to Iraq adopting new flags in 2004 and 2008.
Kazakhstan, NATO, and EU Expansions [4:43]
In January 2004, Kazakhstan extended Russia's lease to the Baikonur Cosmodrome until 2050 for $115 million annually. In March 2004, NATO completed its fifth enlargement, adding Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, a move protested by Russia. In May 2004, the European Union expanded with the entrance of Cyprus, Malta, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
Geopolitical Shifts in the Levant and Myanmar's Capital Relocation [5:50]
In 2005, Syrian troops withdrew from Lebanon, and Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip, dismantling settlements and evicting settlers. In November 2005, Myanmar relocated its capital from Yangon to Naypyidaw, a newly constructed city.
Serbia and Montenegro's Divorce [6:46]
In June 2006, Serbia and Montenegro dissolved their union after Montenegro's successful independence referendum, where 55.5% voted for independence. Serbia recognized Montenegro's decision, making Montenegro the second country to achieve uncontested independence in the 21st century. Serbia became landlocked for the first time since World War I.
Capital Relocations and Flag Changes [7:44]
In October 2006, Palau relocated its capital from Koror to Ngerulmud. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Lesotho also substantially altered their flag designs in 2006.
EU Expansion, Hamas's Takeover of Gaza, and the Blockade [8:06]
In January 2007, Bulgaria and Romania joined the European Union. In June, Hamas seized power in the Gaza Strip after a Palestinian civil war, leading to a division of the Palestinian territories between Hamas in Gaza and Fatah in the West Bank. Israel imposed a full-scale blockade over the Gaza Strip in response.
Kosovo's Unilateral Declaration of Independence [9:08]
In February 2008, Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia, which Serbia refused to recognize. Kosovo had been a de facto autonomous region under UN administration since the end of the war in 1999. As of mid-2025, 108 UN member states recognize Kosovo's independence, while countries like Russia, China, and some EU members do not.
Russian Invasion of Georgia and Territorial Disputes [10:24]
In August 2008, Russia invaded Georgia in support of separatists in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, recognizing their unilateral independence. Only a few other countries recognize their independence, while most still consider them occupied territories of Georgia. Nigeria finalized the transfer of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon, and China and Russia resolved a long-running territorial dispute in the Far East, with Russia ceding control over some river islands to China.
NATO Expansion and Land Transfers [12:57]
In April 2009, NATO expanded with Albania and Croatia. China and Kyrgyzstan demarcated their border, with Kyrgyzstan ceding a small amount of land to China. The US and Mexico agreed on a minor land transfer involving islands in the Rio Grande River.
Ukraine, Myanmar, and Border Disputes [13:41]
In April 2010, the Ukrainian government extended Russia's lease to naval facilities in Sevastopol, Crimea. Myanmar also changed its national flag. In January 2011, China and Tajikistan settled their border dispute, with Tajikistan ceding 1,322 square kilometers of land to China.
Syrian Civil War and South Sudan's Independence [15:02]
In March 2011, the Syrian civil war began, leading to territorial changes. In July 2011, South Sudan seceded from Sudan, becoming the third new country of the 21st century after a referendum where 99% voted for independence.
Libya, Samoa, and Tokelau [16:09]
In October 2011, the Libyan civil war led to the overthrow of Gaddafi, and the national flag was changed. In December 2011, Samoa and Tokelau shifted their time zones to align with Australia and New Zealand.
Azawad's Unilateral Declaration of Independence [16:44]
In April 2012, the state of Azawad unilaterally declared independence from Mali, but it was not recognized and dissolved by 2013 following a French military intervention.
Scarborough Shoal Standoff and ICJ Ruling [17:54]
In June 2012, a standoff between the Philippines and China over Scarborough Shoal ended with China maintaining control. In November, the ICJ settled a territorial dispute between Colombia and Nicaragua, awarding maritime areas to Nicaragua.
Palestine's Status Upgrade and China's Actions [18:43]
In November 2012, the UN General Assembly upgraded the status of Palestine to a non-member observer state. China unilaterally extended its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) into Japan's recognized EEZ.
EU Expansion, Name Changes, and Border Disputes [19:25]
In 2013, Croatia joined the European Union. Cape Verde changed its English language name to Cabo Verde. The ICJ clarified a ruling on the Cambodia-Thailand territorial dispute. China declared a new air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the East China Sea, overlapping with those of Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
ISIS Emergence and Territorial Gains [20:04]
In January 2014, ISIS captured Fallujah in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria. The ICJ ruled on a maritime dispute between Chile and Peru, establishing a new boundary.
Russian Annexation of Crimea [20:40]
In February 2014, Russia invaded Ukraine and seized Crimea. In March, Crimea unilaterally declared independence and was annexed by Russia, leading to the Crimea dispute.
Conflict in Donbas and Libyan Civil War [21:27]
In May 2014, pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine declared independence, leading to the war in Donbas. Libya collapsed into a civil war.
ISIS Expansion and the Declaration of the Islamic State [22:32]
By June 2014, ISIS conquered Mosul in Iraq, and its leader declared the establishment of the Islamic State. In September, Yemen collapsed into civil war.
Consolidation of DPR and LPR and Yemen's Capital Relocation [23:19]
By February 2015, the war in Donbas settled into a frozen conflict. In March, the Yemeni government relocated the capital to Aden.
Islamic State's Territorial Peak and Border Simplification [24:14]
By May 2015, the Islamic State reached its territorial peak. In July, India and Bangladesh simplified their complex border, exchanging enclaves and redrawing boundaries.
ICJ Ruling and Kurdish Declaration [25:52]
In December 2015, the ICJ ruled on a territorial dispute between Costa Rica and Nicaragua. In March 2016, Kurdish-held areas in northeastern Syria declared the creation of an autonomous government called Rojava.
Armenia-Azerbaijan War and Czechia's Name Change [26:31]
In April 2016, a brief war broke out between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, with Azerbaijan recapturing some territory. In May 2016, the Czech Republic changed its English language name to Czechia.
Russian Jurisdiction in Syria and Nagorno-Karabakh's Name Change [27:07]
In January 2017, Syria granted Russia jurisdiction over naval and air bases. In February, Nagorno-Karabakh changed its name to the Republic of Artsakh.
Turkish and US Invasions into Northern Syria [27:41]
In March 2017, Turkish forces invaded northern Syria, seizing territory. In May, the US seized control over a chunk of Syria around the Al-Tanf military base.
NATO Expansion and Island Transfers [28:21]
In June 2017, NATO expanded with Montenegro. Egypt transferred islands to Saudi Arabia.
Catalan Independence Fiasco and Iraqi Kurdish Referendum [28:49]
In October 2017, Catalonia unilaterally declared independence from Spain, but the declaration was suspended. The Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) held an independence referendum, leading to a renewed military offensive by the Iraqi government.
US Recognition of Jerusalem and Border Exchanges [30:16]
In December 2017, the US recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital. In January 2018, Belgium and the Netherlands exchanged territory along the Muse River.
ICJ Ruling and Turkish Invasions [31:06]
In February 2018, the ICJ ruled on the Costa Rica-Nicaragua territorial dispute again. In March, Turkish forces invaded northern Syria again.
Name Changes and Territorial Withdrawals [31:55]
In April 2018, Swaziland changed its name to Eswatini. In July, Ethiopia withdrew from disputed territories with Eritrea.
Capital Relocations and Name Changes [32:59]
In January 2019, Burundi relocated its capital to Gitega. In February, Macedonia changed its name to North Macedonia.
Defeat of ISIS and US Recognition of Golan Heights [33:27]
By March 2019, the Islamic State lost its last territory. The US recognized Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights.
Turkish Invasions and Maritime Deals [33:54]
In October 2019, Turkish forces invaded northern Syria again. In November, Turkey and Libya's government agreed on a maritime deal, escalating tensions with Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt.
Brexit and NATO Expansion [34:44]
In January 2020, the UK withdrew from the European Union. In March, NATO expanded by welcoming North Macedonia.
Territorial Disputes and Maritime Agreements [35:16]
In June 2020, China declared a territorial dispute with Bhutan. In August, Greece and Egypt signed a maritime deal countering the Turkey-Libya agreement.
Libyan Civil War and Azerbaijan's War Against Artsakh [35:53]
In October 2020, the second civil war in Libya ended without resolution. In September, Azerbaijan launched a war against Artsakh, regaining significant territory.
Azerbaijani Troops Attack Armenia and Taliban Regain Power in Afghanistan [36:42]
In May 2021, Azerbaijani troops attacked Armenia, occupying territory. By August, the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan, re-establishing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
ICJ Ruling and Border Settlements [37:33]
In October 2021, the ICJ ruled on a maritime dispute between Kenya and Somalia. In November, Qatar and Saudi Arabia settled their border dispute.
Barbados Becomes a Republic and Russian Recognition [38:04]
In November 2021, Barbados became a republic. In February 2022, Russia recognized the independence declarations of the DPR and LPR in eastern Ukraine.
Russian Invasion of Ukraine and Name Changes [38:27]
In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In May, Turkey changed its name to Türkiye.
Territorial Disputes and Capital City Name Changes [38:43]
In June 2022, Denmark and Canada settled their dispute over Hans Island. In September, Kazakhstan changed its capital city's name from Nur-Sultan back to Astana.
Russian Annexation of Ukrainian Provinces [39:40]
In September 2022, Russia recognized the independence of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson provinces and annexed Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, which Ukraine and the UN declared illegal.
Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine and Maritime Disputes [40:38]
As of late 2025, Russia controls significant portions of Ukrainian territory. In October 2022, Israel and Lebanon agreed to resolve their maritime dispute.
NATO Expansion and Syria's Re-admission to the Arab League [41:49]
In early 2023, NATO expanded to welcome Finland. In May, Syria was welcomed back into the Arab League.
Azerbaijani Victory and Dissolution of Artsakh [42:04]
In September 2023, Azerbaijan launched a renewed military offensive against Artsakh, leading to its dissolution by 2024 and the flight of its Armenian population.
Hamas Invasion and Gaza War [43:04]
In October 2023, Hamas launched an invasion into Israel, triggering the Gaza war. By late 2025, Israel occupied much of the Gaza Strip, causing widespread destruction.
NATO Expansion and Puntland's Declaration of Independence [44:10]
In March 2024, NATO expanded with Sweden. In April, Puntland declared independence from Somalia, which was not internationally recognized.
Border Agreements and New Confederations [44:36]
In April 2024, Armenia agreed to cede border villages to Azerbaijan. In July, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger declared the establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States.
Israeli Invasions and Territorial Transfers [45:21]
In October 2024, Israel launched a ground invasion into southern Lebanon, later maintaining an occupation in strategic points. The UK agreed to cede the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius.
Syrian Regime Collapse and Naming Disputes [46:29]
By December 2024, the Assad regime in Syria collapsed, leading to a new government and flag. In January 2025, Donald Trump directed US agencies to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
ICJ Rulings and Peace Agreements [47:27]
In May 2025, the ICJ ruled on a territorial dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. In August, Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed on a peace agreement, including a US-developed corridor through Armenia.