The United Kingdom: A Post-modern Maritime and Globalised Nation

Abstract

Ditch perceptions of the UK as a former imperial power desperately trying to arrest its decline. Martin argues that the UK remains a major political and military player in the modern world and a state that has aspirations to leadership. In economy, it is a maritime and globalised state, benefiting from the globalised economy but hugely vulnerable to disruptions to that economy. The UK is a post-modern state too in that it recognises that promotion of agreed norms and collaborative action is preferable to unilateralism. The twenty-first century will be the New Maritime Century. Accordingly, Martin argues, it is vital for the UK to maintain influence over events that will affect its well-being through the maritime environment. The UK must be able to offer leadership and have the means to do so. The means to influence and leadership is the Royal Navy.