2026 Current Event Series: Continental Power, Maritime Power & the New World Order

How does a continental or maritime framework pursued by governments shape outcomes for their countries? Why do some leaders insist on pursing destructive wars, rather than focus on mutually beneficial trade? Join us for a thought-provoking moderated Q&A with Dr. Sarah C. M. Paine, one of the world’s leading historians on East Asian and naval affairs, as we explore the ways that changing geopolitical mindsets are shaping the world today. Throughout this conversation, participants will have the opportunity to dive deeply into Dr. Paine’s insights into how the world’s democracies can succeed in the emerging world order. This timely conversation will move beyond headlines to explore the deeper forces shaping today’s global landscape and how countries can utilize their natural advantages for shared prosperity. The first part of the conversation will focus on how the U.S. and its allies have pursued the maritime order, while China and Russia have viewed the world through a continentalist perspective. Dr. Paine will then review how the efforts of different countries ensured that democracies prevailed at the end of the First Cold War, setting themselves up for astounding economic growth. Finally, she will outline the possible path forward for the United States and how it can best leverage its advantages for future leadership. Regardless of your level of global engagement or understanding, this discussion will equip you with insightful, well researched, and easily accessible information on how the world works. This 2026 Current Event series conversation was presented by the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire and the Portsmouth Athenaeum. The Livestream was recorded in the Shaw Research Library at the Portsmouth Athenaeum in Portsmouth, NH, on October 8, 2026.