The evolution of multilateralism.

Multilateral cooperation has existed for as far back as we can remember. Some scholars see it as a foundation for the development of organized societies and trace its origins back to ancient times. Many civilizations left evidence of agreements to help regulate interactions (be it political, commercial or financial) between different entities. In its recognizable form, multilateralism developed in the course of negotiating the Westphalia treaties, which ended the Hundred Year War and the Thirty Year War in 1648. The peace agreements signed in the German cities of Münsterand Osnabrück are now generally considered to be at the origin of the modern international state system. Modern multilateralism progressively took shape during the 19th century, and can be traced through different stages. 

CONCERT OF EUROPE: The “Concert of Europe” emerged from the Vienna Congress in 1815 which ended the Napoleonic wars and is considered to be the first political step towards the development of modern multilateralism. Its main objective was to maintain political order in Europe by maintaining a balance of power. During this period, we also see the emergence of the practice of holding Periodic international conferences among the Great Powers to settle disputes to prevent potential new wars breaking out. 

A HUMANITARIAN MULTILATERALISM: Multilateral discussions to support and protect humanity, especially victims of war and violence, also emerged. The  Convention for the Ameliorationof the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field signed in 1864, better known as the first Geneva Convention, marked an important step for the codification of humanitarian law. 

AN INTELLECTUAL MULTILATERALISM: The “pacifist” movement or “internationalist” movement emerged in the 19th century. It promotedinternational peace through global cooperation and international law. It prepared public opinion and the minds of political leaders for the creation of the League of Nations, the first global international organization. 

THE HAGUE CONFERENCES: The First Hague Peace Conference (1899) and the Second Hague Peace Conference (1907) marked new milestones in the development of multilateralism. The 1899 Conference lead to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the first multilateral attempt to prevent war through arbitration. The 1907 Conference continued these efforts by bringing representatives together from 44 governments which, at the time, was a large part of the existing states.