The objective of this paper is to provide insights into exotic and native invasive species dynamics using a conceptual model developed from the long history of research on native woody plant invasion into perennial grasslands. We first describe our new conceptual model that focuses on landscape characteristics (spatial configuration and connectivity) interacting with environmental drivers and biotic processes across multiple scales. We then provide support for the model using a long-term dataset from southern New Mexico. Finally, we discuss new insights this model has to offer for understanding, predicting, and managing exotic invasive species dynamics.