Talking Strategy S1E1: Sir Julian Corbett and the British Way of War with Professor Andrew Lambert
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Jul 12, 2022 
Professor Andrew Lambert, the John Knox Lawton Professor of Naval History at King's College London, dives into the world of Sir Julian Corbett, a key figure in maritime strategy before and after WWI. They discuss Corbett's synthesis of naval and land warfare, emphasizing a distinctly British approach to military strategy. Key topics include the importance of maritime blockades, Britain's historical vulnerabilities, and the unique contrasts between Corbett's theories and Clausewitz's battle-centric views. Lambert illustrates Corbett's relevance to modern strategic thought.
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Corbett's Unique Strategic Lens
- Julian Corbett approached military strategy as a civilian historian and lawyer without direct military experience.
- He emphasized integrating naval power, economic warfare, and civilian leadership to form British strategy.
Naval Power Shapes Land War
- Corbett believed wars are decided on land, but naval power shapes what the army can achieve.
- The British Army's long continental commitments in the 20th century are an anomaly, not the focus on Europe itself.
Britain's Maritime-Continental Strategy
- Corbett disagreed with Mahan's expansive naval dominance argument, seeing Britain's security tied closely to Europe.
- Britain must integrate naval and continental strategies to confront European dangers effectively.
