History for strategists: British sea power as a relevant past [1994]

Historians and strategic theorists have much to learn from each other, but there is little doubt that the two express different cultures and seek distinctive truths. Historians are apt to find uniqueness, where strategic theorists will seek out, and almost certainly find, patterns in behavior. A study of the British experience with sea power over the past four centuries yields a rich haul of strategic history for careful exploitation by theorists. Provided general propositions about the land and sea, and later the air, are recognized always to have applicability governed by local detail, the realms of strategic theory and history can cooperate to mutual advantage. Viewed in the context of statecraft and conflict as a whole, British sea power over several centuries is a treasure trove of historical evidence which positively beckons for broad-gauged interpretation.