Sailors, Statesmen and the Implementation of Naval Strategy
Richard Harding editor Agustin Guimerá editor
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Boydell & Brewer Ltd
Published:18th Jun '24
Should be back in stock very soon
Explores the varied relationship between political leaders and naval experts, from the 16th to 21st centuries The shaping of national defence strategies is particularly difficult in the case of navies. Few political leaders have naval experience, in contrast to the case of armies where political leaders and army commanders have often shared similar social and professional backgrounds. Bringing together historical examples from Britain, the United States, Spain and France, the book provides insights into this key relationship. The authors highlight factors which have made for successful relationships between political leaders and naval experts, showing how changing circumstances have affected the dialogue and underlines the importance of good exchange of knowledge, expertise and understanding for successful policy making and strategic outcomes. Sea power continues to be crucial in the present world's increasingly unstable geopolitical situation, the mutual exchange of expertise between naval experts and political leaders is as important as ever, and the risk of political 'sea blindness' remains high. This book's historical examples provide good guidance on how to manage the relationship between political leaders and naval experts well.
How does a naval officer gain a hearing for his expert advice, let alone actually play a role in statecraft? Examination of this question should interest any reader of this review with experience in Whitehall. Richard Harding brings the discussion right up to date in his excellent 'Reflections' that conclude this volume. * THE NAVAL REVIEW *
ISBN: 9781837651207
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 412g
216 pages