What are some reasons a civilization may seek to expand its power and influence? do you think expansion always leads to conflict? why or why not?

Two mian reasons why civilizations seek to expand their power:

The quest for more resources: resources are always scarce, and every civilization wants to have more of them. Expanding its power, territory, and influence, is a way to seek control of more resources.To keep other civilizations from becoming more powerful: some civilizations have tried to expand their power mainly with the goal of keeping some neighboring civilization from becoming more powerful. For example, in Mesopotamia, the Assyrians conquered ended up conquering the Babylonians become the two civilizations were not able to coexist.

do you think expansion always leads to conflict?

No, expansion does not necessarily lead to conflict if the civilization that expands is pluralistic and respects cultural differences, and gives territories some degree of autonomy.