The leverage of sea power : the strategic advantage of navies in war

"Through colourful and lively historical illustrations as well as strategic theory, Gray shows how sea power, when integrated with land and air power, increases the combatant's opportunities and choices. With dozens of examples from the Greek and Persian wars of the fifth century B.C. through the recent war in the Gulf, Gray systematically demonstrates the ways sea power has been used, and how it might have been used, to win battles and wars. His thought-provoking commentary is certain to become essential reading for the makers of defense policy today. The Leverage of Sea Power is an important and original contribution to the science of warfare historically and in the nuclear age." -- Dust jacket The technological advances in the machinery of space, nuclear and air warfare have obscured the importance of naval power. Using examples from Ancient Greece to the Gulf War, Gray argues that control of the sea is vital to strategic planning. The book shows how the various ways in which sea-power can be used to decisively influence the outcome of general conflicts. Sparta required a fleet to bring about the destruction of the Athenian Empire, the lack of access to the sea was a fatal weakness for Germany in both World Wars, whilst in the Gulf War, the ability of the western powers and their allies to bring up vast amounts of armour and supplies unchallenged was a key factor in the outcome of the war. Gennemgang af søkrafternes indflydelse og magtanvendelse fra gallajernes krigsførelse i Middelhavet til Den kolde krigs atomalder, set på baggrund af krigsførende flåders strategiske fortrin og fordel Colin S. Gray. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 327-351) And Index.