Park,
Jungwon

This paper examines the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade (1565-1815) as a precursor to what can be described as a "new transperipheral network," which highlights the critical role of global peripheries in the formation of early modern global connections. The Manila-Acapulco galleon trade, spanning over two and a half centuries, established a direct link between Asia, the Americas, and Europe, making it one of the earliest examples of global trade that transcended traditional core-periphery dynamics. Unlike the conventional understanding of global trade networks, which often focus on the dominance of central nodes, this study posits that the galleon trade was instrumental in creating a decentralized network where peripheral regions actively contributed to global economic and cultural exchanges. The paper argues that the Manila-Acapulco route not only facilitated the flow of silver, spices, silk, and other commodities but also enabled the transmission of ideas, technologies, and cultural practices across continents. This transperipheral exchange challenges the traditional Eurocentric narrative of globalization by emphasizing the agency of peripheral regions in driving global interactions. By analyzing the galleon trade through the lens of a transperipheral network, this study provides new insights into the dynamics of early globalization and highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of non-central regions in global history. The findings have implications for contemporary discussions on global networks, suggesting that peripheral regions continue to play a crucial role in shaping global processes.