The two types of changes that national boundaries experience on a regular basis include small changes and drastic changes. A small change may be something as simple as a river shifting direction and moving over 50 feet. This would be a small change in a nation-state's boundary. If a nation-state experiences a drastic change it is normally due to a international war, invasion by another country, collapse of a government system, revolution, or the exchange of land through a purchase.
1.) Independence. For example: In 2008, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia. This was recognized by a majority of UN member states including the United States, most western European states, Turkey, and Canada. Those who disagreed were Serbia, Greece, Spain,India, Russia, and the People's Republic of China.
2.) State Annexes. For example: Western Papua becomes part of Indonesia under the 1969 Act of Free Choice; The Republic of China annexes Taiwan in 1945; In 1845 Texas is annexed by the United States.
