Book Explores Naval Strategies Over 400 Years, Highlights US-China Dynamics

Recent analyses highlight intensifying great power competition at sea, with the United States, China, and, to a lesser extent, Russia preparing for potential future conflicts by investing heavily in naval capabilities and strategic planning. The Indo-Pacific region is a focal point, where China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the US-led Free and Open Indo-Pacific represent rival visions for regional order, with middle powers like India and Japan shaping outcomes through their own maritime strategies. India’s navy, for instance, has transformed into a central pillar of its regional strategy, emphasizing cooperative security and maritime mentorship over direct confrontation. The competition extends beyond military maneuvers to affect the livelihoods of local communities, such as Filipino fishers facing increased intimidation and loss of access to traditional fishing grounds due to China’s maritime assertiveness in contested waters. Historical patterns show that navies often struggle to accurately anticipate adversaries and adapt once conflict begins, underscoring the importance of long-term investment and strategic flexibility. This multifaceted contest involves legal, economic, and security dimensions, making effective naval power and maritime diplomacy critical in shaping future regional stability.