The Persistence of Straight Lines

Many modern borders were never meant to last. They were drawn to solve a

problem. Empires needed control. But they didn’t know the land. They didn’t know

the people. So they used straight lines. Not because they were accurate.

But because they were easy. These lines weren’t drawn to reflect the world.

They were drawn to control it. Straight lines ignore rivers. They ignore cultures.

They ignore history. But once a line is drawn, it’s hard to erase.

Over time, temporary solutions became permanent borders. Even today, millions live inside

lines drawn long before they were born. What would borders look like today