Space as a Barrier

From an understanding of command of space and the concept of blocking, it is realized that physical and non-physical communications are readily accessible to those who exercise command; yet space becomes a “barrier” to those who cannot. This thought is based upon maritime strategy, where those having command of the sea are able to deter and prevent their opponent from freely moving along sea lines of communications or from threatening one’s coastlines. Corbett writes that, while the sea has a positive value for national life, it has a negative value too, since it can also become a barrier. Yet, by winning command of the sea, one removes that barrier from one’s own path, thereby enabling one to impact the enemy’s national life ashore through military intervention. ¹ This strategic concept was borne out by Napoleon Bonaparte’s unsuccessful attempts to move his legions across the English Channel to wage a land war against the British. Bonaparte’s inability to do as he wished was due to Great Britain’s dominating navy and ability to exercise command within the English Channel.