In general,
expansionism consists of policies of governments and states that involve expansion in such context as the military, economy, etc. While some have linked the term to promoting
economic growth (in contrast to no growth /
sustainable policies), more commonly expansionism refers to the doctrine of a state expanding its territorial base (or economic influence) usually, though not necessarily, by means of
military aggression. Compare
empire-building,
colonialism, and
Lebensraum.