Skip to content

International cooperation is shaped by a history of waterways and wars

The first international organization dates to an 1804 Rhine River treaty. In the 20th century, organizations proliferated.

Rows of flags outside the U.N. headquarters at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
Rows of flags outside the U.N. headquarters at the Palais des Nations in Geneva (AN/J. Heilprin)

GENEVA (AN) — The first international organization dates to a European treaty more than two centuries ago to oversee ship tolls, towpaths and trade disputes on the Rhine River.

The fledging river administration created by the Treaty of 15 October 1804 between the French Empire and Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation evolved into the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine.

Get full Free+ access with a free subscription

Join now

Already have an account? Log in

Latest