The Changing Context of American Seapower

Authors

James A. Nathan
James K. Oliver

Abstract

The "Expansion of Force." Among the more important of the new complexities confronting both analysis and policy are those surrounding the use of force. For almost 300 years prior to the end of World War II, the pursuit of "security" by nation-states has been the central dynamic of international politics, The correlative of this condition has been an expansion of the capacity of the nation-state to deploy and use military power. During the last 150 years of this "expansionist phase"1 of the role of military power in international politics an important paradox emerged: the use of military power could result in enormous disorder but, under certain circumstances, order as well.

Recommended Citation

Nathan, James A. and Oliver, James K. (1979) "The Changing Context of American Seapower," Naval War College Review: Vol. 32: No. 2, Article 2.
Available at: https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/nwc-review/vol32/iss2/2