The Realignment
498 | Nicholas A. Lambert: Alfred Thayer Mahan's Legacy & Why Sea Power Still Determines the Fate of Nations
Aug 15, 2024
Nicholas A. Lambert, an author renowned for his insights on sea power, discusses Alfred Thayer Mahan's enduring influence on naval strategy and international trade. He draws striking parallels between current geopolitical dynamics and the pre-WWI era. Lambert emphasizes the importance of controlling trade routes over direct military action and critiques policymakers for overlooking critical success metrics. The conversation touches on U.S.-China relations, the complexity of economic warfare, and the implications of globalization on modern security.
01:02:35
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Quick takeaways
- Alfred Thayer Mahan's theories on sea power emphasize the strategic importance of naval dominance in controlling international trade.
- The parallels between historical globalization and today's geopolitical tensions underscore the risks associated with economic disruptions in conflict.
Deep dives
Historical Context and Relevance of Sea Power
The discussion introduces Alfred Thayer Mahan's importance in naval strategy by examining his context in the late 19th century. During this time, the first era of globalization was emerging, drawing parallels between historical and contemporary global economic systems. Mahan argued that the increasing dependency of industrialized societies on international trade highlighted the strategic value of naval power. The potential for global conflicts, particularly during this period, raised concerns about the repercussions of disrupting trade, echoing today’s geopolitical tensions over economic dependencies.
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