Foundations of Maritime Strategy

Jun 11, 2025

Guest

Sam Byers

Guest

Steve Wills

Steve Wills, a former U.S. naval officer and CMS's navalist, and Sam Byers, Senior National Security Advisor, dive deep into the evolution of U.S. maritime strategy. They discuss the historical foundations of sea power and the geopolitical rivalry with China, highlighting Xi Jinping's naval ambitions. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability in modern military operations and the importance of quality over quantity in naval strategy, especially in light of rising global tensions.

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INSIGHT

Strategy's Pragmatic Interplay

Strategy connects policy to resources pragmatically across tactical, operational, and strategic levels.
Tactical actions, even small, can have monumental strategic impacts and vice versa.

INSIGHT

Strategy Must Have Defined Goals

Strategy is a dynamic mental process balancing circumstances and passions towards a goal.
Without a defined aim, there can be no effective strategy; political considerations are inherent.

INSIGHT

Mahan's Maritime Commerce Focus

Mahan evolved his thinking, emphasizing peacetime sea power importance and maritime commerce.
Sea power protects commercial wealth and ensures access, not just control, of maritime commons.

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On military strategy, theory of power control

None

J.C. Wiley

Strategy Shelved

The Collapse of the Cold War Naval Strategic Planning

Dr. Wilson

Strategy Shelf

None

Steve Wills

Jellicoe's War

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Nick Jellicoe

The influence of sea power upon history

1660-1783

Alfred Thayer Mahan

In this book, Mahan examines the impact of naval power on historical events from the end of the 17th century to the American Revolutionary War. He argues that control of the sea has been a crucial factor in determining the prosperity and security of nations. Mahan discusses various factors that contribute to sea power, including geography, population, government policies, and the interconnectedness of sea commerce, naval policy, and military strategy. The book is considered a seminal work in naval strategy and has had a profound influence on naval thought and policy worldwide[1][4][5].

Thunder Run

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Dave Perkins

Command at Sea

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Admiral Wu Shang Li

Ocean's Venture

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John Lehman

The Neptune Factor: Alfred Thayer Mahan and the Concept of Sea Power

Nicholas A. Lambert

Strategy of Denial

Elbridge Colby

Strategy: A History

Sir Lawrence Freedman

In 'Strategy: A History,' Sir Lawrence Freedman provides a sweeping account of the development of strategic thinking. The book spans from the strategies practiced in primate groups and ancient mythology to the strategic theories of Sun Tzu, Machiavelli, and modern social scientists. It explores how strategy has evolved over time, influencing not only military affairs but also business culture, social movements, and even personal relationships. Freedman highlights the fluid and flexible nature of strategy, emphasizing the challenges posed by unpredictability and the need for continuous reappraisal of objectives. The book is divided into five parts, each focusing on different aspects and periods of strategic thinking, culminating in a critique of modern strategic theories and their limitations[2][5].