War on the Rocks Holiday Reading List

Naval Diplomacy in the 21st Century: A Model for the Post-Cold War Global Order by Kevin Rowlands. Naval historians and strategists have a tendency to focus on the big battles of blue-water wars, and the construction and development of the forces for those battles. However, there is another equally vital element of naval power and strategy: naval responsibilities in peacetime. Dating back centuries, maritime forces have had what the British call “constabulary” roles beyond fighting in wars, missions that are central to the maintenance of international order. Rowlands’ book is a vital contribution to our thinking on naval affairs in the 21st century. A ludicrously expensive academic publisher? Unfortunately, yes. A theoretical and complex work? Yes. A brilliant and vital study for understanding navies and maritime strategy? Absolutely. Maybe try the e-book — the price is closer to reasonable — or ask your local library. But if you’re interested in sea power or what competition looks like in an era of rising great powers, this will need to be on your reading list.