The Importance of Naval Power in Geopolitics

Naval power and dominance of the seas are crucial in geopolitics due to the importance of global trade, energy transportation, and communication networks that rely on maritime routes. The majority of global trade, both in volume and value, travels by sea, and disruptions to maritime conduits can have significant impacts on supply chains and the world economy. The United States has historically been the dominant naval force, but China's Navy is rapidly growing and challenging Western naval dominance. The competition for naval superiority is driven by US-China rivalry, particularly in Asia, and the desire to control strategic regions, secure port access, and maintain freedom of navigation.