A Strategic Approach to the Maritime - Continental Strategy Debate

Abstract

This report addresses the historical and conceptual dimensions of the maritime-continental strategy debate as a conflict between two divergent approaches to national strategy development. The discussion first traces the origins of the conflict and then analyzes the contending maritime and continental schools in terms of the strategic criteria of definition of the strategic problem, strategic purpose and approach, escalation control, and the strategic center of gravity. That framework draws heavily upon classic geopolitical thought as well as several pertinent concepts of Clausewitz. Resolution is suggested through elaboration of those same criteria. The study concludes with a discussion of policy and force development implications.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA436979

Entities

People

  • Frank E. Jordan Iii

Organizations

  • National War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Defense Systems
  • Geography
  • Military Capabilities
  • Military Strategy
  • National Security
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • New York
  • North America
  • Security
  • South Carolina
  • United States
  • Universities
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Strategic Security Studies