In the absence of a global government, international relations have often been described as anarchic – a system where no single institution holds overarching authority. Political scientist Hedley Bull emphasized this characteristic, yet even in this fragmented world, cooperation has emerged through the formation of international organisations. These institutions laid the foundation for today’s rules-based global order, especially in the maritime sector.
Let’s explore the evolution of international organisations before the creation of the League of Nations in 1920 and understand how they paved the way for modern maritime regulation.
Following the Napoleonic Wars, European powers convened at the Congress of Vienna, seeking to restore balance and avoid future conflict. Though primarily political, this gathering marked the beginning of multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation. Without a global legislature, states began to trust the diplomatic process, leading to the formation of international secretariats and bureaucracies.
The second half of the 19th century saw rapid industrial and technological advancements – and a parallel rise in technical and administrative cooperation. International organisations emerged to regulate:
As these sectors increasingly crossed borders, cooperation became essential for coordination, safety, and progress.
By the late 1800s, shipping – one of the world’s most global industries – was also one of the most fragmented. Two parallel legal tracks emerged:
These systems often operated in silos. According to scholar Douglas M. Johnston, industry interests preferred the separation, though there was occasional agreement on foundational concepts like the “freedom of the seas” and 3-mile territorial zones.
Efforts to unify maritime law began in earnest in the mid-19th century:
These efforts were led by influential figures like Louis Franck, yet they were also shaped by the dominant British maritime legal system, which many states were encouraged to adopt during the height of British shipping dominance.
The First and Second World Wars disrupted global shipping and highlighted the need for unified legal frameworks:
Between 1921 and 1937, the CMI hosted eight major conferences, leading to conventions on:
These focused on the private law side – while the gap with public marine policy grew.
The devastation of WWII brought a new urgency to international coordination. In 1958, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was established under the United Nations. It became the cornerstone of modern maritime governance.
The IMO’s core mission:
Other key organisations founded during this period include:
Together, these institutions form the backbone of international maritime policy and regulation.
To deepen your understanding of this evolution, consider:
1. Why did the shipping industry develop two distinct legal paths – public and private – and how does this shape regulation today?
2. What are the key challenges in creating unified maritime laws across countries with different political and economic interests?
3. In what ways does the legacy of 19th-century diplomacy still influence how international maritime organisations function today?
