Abstract
The need for a navy was specifically delineated in the 1787 Constitution that formally established the United States. The new navy’s strategy quickly emerged, including the classic maritime missions of presence, defending the sea lines of communication (SLOCs) against piracy and other crimes at sea, enforcement of customs requirements, and defense of the homeland. Bernard Cole argues that these missions still form the foundation of U.S. maritime strategy in 2015. The U.S. Navy safeguards SLOC security and maintains a global presence. China’s modernizing navy and new coast guard are also assuming these missions, posing the possibility of clashes at sea. Fortunately, China and the U.S. have established coordinating mechanisms to reduce the chances of unintended escalation between the two nuclear-armed powers. Both nations will continue to share maritime concerns that are both common but occasionally contradictory. U.S. maritime strategy will continue to ensure both defense of its maritime interests, while recognizing the rise of China’s maritime power.
The views in this paper are those of the author and do not reflect those of the National War College or any other agency of the U.S. Government.
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Cole, B.D. (2016). The Maritime Strategies of the United States after the Cold War. In: Bekkevold, J., Till, G. (eds) International Order at Sea. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-58663-6_9
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