The sea has always been central to human development as a source of resources, and as a means of transportation, information-exchange and strategic dominion. It has provided the basis for mankind's prosperity and security. This is even more true in the early 21st century, with the emergence of an increasingly globalized world trading system. Navies have always provided a way of policing, and sometimes exploiting, the system. In contemporary conditions, navies, and other forms of maritime power, are having to adapt, in order to exert the maximum power ashore in the company of others and to expand the range of their interests, activities and responsibilities. Their traditional tasks still apply but new ones are developing fast. Written by a recognized authority on maritime strategy past and present, this timely and up-to-date book investigates the consequences of this for the developing nature, composition and functions of all the world's significant navies, and provides a guide for everyone interested in the changing and crucial role of seapower in the 21st century.

Table of Contents

History for strategists - British seapower as a relevant past, Colin S. Gray; the burden of Trafalgar - decisive battle and naval strategic expectation on the eve of World War I, Jan S. Breemer; the Admiralty and imperial overstretch, 1902-1941, Andrew Gordon; seapwoer 1939-1940 - Churchill and the strategic origins of the Battle of the Atlantic, Andrew Lambert; the Battle of the Atlantic, 1941 - the first turning point?, Jock Gardner; full circle - the US Navy and tis carriers, 1964-1993, John Pay; the seapower of the coastal state, Jacob Borresen; maritime power and the 21st century, Geoffrey Till.