![]() ![]() One key example is in the world of sharing intelligence and information on ship movements at sea, both passively through the Global Positioning System and associated beaconing systems, and through active shared reports. Another key component of an effective global maritime strategy for the United States must be a high level of private-public operational integration and cooperation. In today’s world, both of those are necessary, but they are not sufficient. ![]() In his view, the primary key was supporting the maritime industry and the global trading capability. In an article I published in the early 1980s, I spoke about a “Global Maritime Coalition,” and more recently the Navy has talked about the so-called “Thousand Ship Navy.” When you put all the capability of our allies, partners, and friends together, it is a formidable naval force indeed - that approach of international coalitions must be central to our global maritime strategy.įourth, Mahan was keenly aware of the importance of the private sector in ensuring the United States maintained a robust maritime capability. These partners and friends are an essential part of our global maritime network as well, and part of our maritime strategy would include embracing them. I have made port visits to each of the nations mentioned above, and have found a welcoming committee in each place. Some nations in this category include Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Finland, Sweden, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, on and on. In addition to alliances, the United States needs an active network of partners and friends - nations which we are for a variety of reasons not ready to engage with a formal alliance - but with whom we have warm relations nonetheless. Similarly, in the Pacific, we have formal alliances with Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea - all of equal value in ensuring a global system of operating locations. Over my time as a Navy commander, I have frequently made port calls, refueled, sent my crew on liberty, conferred with close colleagues from Allied navies, and generally found support and sustenance in our alliance. Our warships can pull into port in Rota, Spain Souda Bay, Greece Portsmouth, England Toulon, France Bremen, Germany and essentially anywhere within the 28 nations of the alliance. By working with NATO, the United States has reliable and immediate access to bases and logistic support all around the periphery of Europe and up into the Arctic. In their place today, we need strong Alliances, with NATO at the top of the list. He would have thought in terms of colonies, which are - praise the lord - things of the past. This means challenging attempts to close the global commons by nations like China, which is building artificial islands and claiming much of the South China Sea as a “historic claim.”Ī third key element in Mahan’s prescription would be a strong system of alliances and partnerships around the world. The open flow of free goods on the oceans (95 percent of global trade moves by sea) is crucial to a geopolitical power like the United States. Navy does today), and safe passage from piracy, political interference, or natural barriers. ![]() Law of the Sea Treaty (which he would support, like virtually every active duty admiral in the U.S. ![]() Mahan would also emphasize to today’s president the importance to the United States of defending the concept of an open global commons - the rights of high seas passage and transit, the importance of the U.N. This means supporting a reasonably sized civilian merchant marine a powerful, capable Navy a robust shipbuilding industry a competent fishing fleet efficient ports and infrastructure icebreaking capability for the Arctic and the ability to conduct broad area surveillance of the ocean approaches to our nations. Taking his principles as a starting point, what advice can we imagine Mahan presenting the president today?įirst and foremost, he would emphasize the need for the United States to regard itself as a maritime nation. As we seek to craft an international maritime strategy for the nation, Mahan’s point of view - adapted somewhat for today’s world - still presents a timeless message. Personally, I believe his message still rings true for the United States today. The interesting question in this turbulent 21st century is whether or not shifts in power, international norms, or technology have substantially altered the Mahanian approach. ![]()
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