The U.S. Navy and the Rise of Great Power Competition: Looking Beyond the Western Pacific

Technological and geo-political trends are rapidly transforming maritime affairs, with the rise of an assertive China and its new anti-access and area-denial capabilities threatening the aircraft carrier-based maritime dominance of the U.S. Navy. This volume considers these developments from three perspectives and proposes a new approach to naval force planning and strategy to cope with these changes. It will be of much interest to students of naval policy, strategic studies, Asia-Pacific politics, and International Relations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The rapid convergence of technological and geopolitical forces is reshaping the landscape of maritime affairs, presenting a complex and evolving picture of the world's oceans. In this comprehensive volume, a diverse range of original and previously published material explores the profound impact of the 21st-century great power competition on naval operations, particularly in the Western Pacific region. The rise of an assertive China, with its advanced anti-access and area-denial capabilities, poses a significant threat to the U.S. Navy's longstanding dominance of the maritime domain, centered around its aircraft carrier fleet.

Military and political trends across the Western Pacific and beyond suggest that we are entering a pivotal moment where the weapons, tactics, and operations of today may become obsolete due to rapid techno-strategic change. This volume examines these developments from three interconnected perspectives:

The Techno-Strategic Setting: This section provides an in-depth analysis of the technological advancements, military doctrines, and geopolitical dynamics shaping the maritime realm. It explores the emergence of new technologies such as autonomous ships, cyber warfare, and space-based capabilities, as well as the evolving nature of great power competition and the challenges it presents.

The Institutional Constraints: This section examines the institutional barriers that hinder the U.S. Navy's ability to adapt and respond to these rapidly changing techno-strategic dynamics. It explores the challenges posed by budget constraints, bureaucratic inertia, and the need for innovative thinking and collaboration across military branches and civilian agencies.

A New Approach to Naval Force Planning and Strategy: This section presents a fresh perspective on naval force planning and strategy to address the challenges posed by techno-strategic change. It advocates for a more holistic and integrated approach that considers the full range of military capabilities, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and other platforms, as well as the importance of partnerships and alliances.

The volume concludes with a discussion of sophisticated strategies and operational concepts that position the U.S. Navy and its maritime allies and partners to prevail in the techno-strategic churn of the 21st century. This book will appeal to students of naval policy, strategic studies, Asia-Pacific politics, and International Relations, offering valuable insights into the complex and rapidly evolving world of maritime affairs.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032480619