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  • © 2016

The UK as a Medium Maritime Power in the 21st Century

Logistics for Influence

Palgrave Macmillan
  • Fills a gap in the academic literature on the contemporary Royal Navy

  • Argues that the only means for the UK to exercise military influence is through maritime-based forces

  • Research includes interviews with British Admirals

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Table of contents (8 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xv
  2. The Attributes and Roles of Naval Forces

    • Christopher Martin
    Pages 21-38
  3. The Fleet

    • Christopher Martin
    Pages 39-55
  4. Strategy: The Ability to Control Events

    • Christopher Martin
    Pages 57-74
  5. Logistics: The Arbiter of Opportunity

    • Christopher Martin
    Pages 75-90
  6. The Myth of the Loss of Strength Gradient

    • Christopher Martin
    Pages 91-108
  7. Naval Comparisons

    • Christopher Martin
    Pages 109-132
  8. Conclusion

    • Christopher Martin
    Pages 133-136
  9. Back Matter

    Pages 137-151

About this book

This book argues that the UK, as a post-modern globalised state, will require means to have influence over events and opponents that threaten the UK's interests in the 21st century, and that its means is the Royal Navy. However, unlike other studies, this research emphasizes the role of logistics, especially afloat support logistics and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. In doing so, the author rejects the current theory underpinning military operations at distance, that distance degrades capability, and posits an alternative theory, that time is the key factor, for maritime-based forces. The UK must reengage with its maritime status and maintain a maritime-based capability to protect its interests in the new maritime century as a leader within the international community. The book will be of use to scholars and researchers interested in naval history and defence policy. 

Authors and Affiliations

  • Politics, Philosophy & International Stu, University of Hull Politics, Philosophy & International Stu, Hull, United Kingdom

    Christopher Martin

About the author

Christopher Martin is Senior Lecturer in War Studies and Contemporary Security at the University of Hull, UK. He is an Associate Member of the Corbett Centre for Maritime Policy Studies. He was awarded the Julian Corbett Prize for Research in Modern Naval History in 2005.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 49.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access