‘The history of Sea Power is largely, though by no means solely, a narrative of contests between nations, of mutual rivalries, of violence frequently culminating in war.’
The Influence of Sea Power Upon History is considered by many scholars to be the single most influential book on naval strategy. The analysis and recommendations in this book had a profound impact on leaders worldwide and was a contributing factor to the naval arms race leading up to World War I. Through the careful study of history that ranges from Greek and Roman times to the Napoleonic Wars, Mahan provided a comprehensive analysis of the rise and fall of sea power and the effect this had on the fate of nations.
This book continues to influence geopolitical and naval thinkers to this day and should be studied for its insights on naval policies in the past as well as for its influence on naval policies in the present day.
Alfred Thayer Mahan was an American naval officer, historian, and one of the most influential naval strategists in the late 19th and early 20th century.