SPC-A Commercial Publications: Maritime Strategy into the Twenty-First Century: Issues for Regional Navies

Abstract

The maritime strategies of navies in the Asia-Pacific region will change in the next century in response to emerging developments in the regional strategic environment. This paper examines factors which lead to such change and identifies emerging challenges and opportunities for regional navies. It predicts that, despite the post-Cold War strategic uncertainties, peacetime tasks and operations will become a more important part of maritime strategy as a broader definition of security gains acceptance. The versatility of navies, and of surface ships in particular, will continue to allow the application of limited or graduated forces at sea and the projection of power ashore, and these attributes are likely to be used increasingly in support of constabulary, resource protection or diplomatic tasks. The trend towards an increase in multilateral operations is also likely to continue. This new emphasis will be reflected in naval force development, but must be balanced by the need to maintain an ability to counter realistic threats.

Availability

Published by the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, the Australian National University (ISBN 0 7315 2482 9), as Working Paper No. 297, and has been reproduced with their permission. Hard copies can be purchased online.