Part 2/8:
In 1494, the Treaty of Tordesillas established the groundwork for colonial expansion as European powers laid claims over non-European territories. Moving into the 17th century, the establishment of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) marked the birth of modern capitalism and the beginnings of corporate influence in global affairs.
Fast forward to 1944, at the close of World War II, the United Nations was formed, reinforcing the power structures defined at the time. Following this, the establishment of NATO in 1949 implemented a military alliance predicated on anti-communism, linking American interests with European defense frameworks.