19th-Century Ideologies and Modern Maritime Power: Key Takeaways from the Paris Symposium

The Society for Global Nineteenth-Century Studies recently concluded its 2026 international symposium, titled "Solidarities and Shifting Alliances," held at the University of London Institute in Paris from June 17 to 19. The conference served as a critical platform for scholars to examine how the political and economic frameworks of the 19th century continue to underpin the architecture of modern global trade and maritime security.

A primary focus of the discussions was the role of 19th-century political philosophies—specifically capitalism and socialism—in shaping intercontinental circulations. During this era, the rise of industrial capitalism drove the expansion of maritime routes to secure raw materials and new markets, leading to the formalization of colonial trade networks. Conversely, socialist critiques of the time often highlighted the exploitation inherent in these maritime expansions, fostering early forms of international labor solidarities. These ideologies did not just exist in textbooks; they dictated the movement of goods, people, and naval power across the globe.

The symposium highlighted that the "shifting alliances" of the 1800s were not merely diplomatic maneuvers but were deeply rooted in the need to control maritime chokepoints and trade flows. This historical perspective is vital for understanding contemporary geopolitical tensions in regions like the Indo-Pacific and the Red Sea. The transition from 19th-century mercantilism to modern globalization reflects a continuous evolution of how states project power through sea lanes.

For UPSC aspirants, the event underscores that modern globalized trade is not a recent phenomenon but a legacy of 19th-century ideological and technological shifts. By analyzing the historical "solidarities" formed during the age of steam and sail, current global actors can better navigate the complexities of modern multilateralism and the challenges to the rules-based international order.