On US Sea Power: Geneses And Evolution

This study tries to explain the geneses of US sea power thinking from two sources. The first is defined as and constrained by environmental factors and physical conditions, and the other is rooted in social cultures and political ideologies, which in other words, an economic foundation and a superstructure of one nation. This study would later explore the dynamics behind historical evolution of US naval strategy—the major practice of US sea power thinking.The geographical environment of the US makes it naturally advantageous in conducting sea related activities. From this dimension one may confirm the impact of natural environment upon human behavior. The level of material production and exchanges near the birth date of sea power thinking may implicate the historic growth of US capability of sea control. More importantly, to contrast between this historic growth and Mahan's theory on environmental factor within his thinking, one may reveal the limit of this theory luminated by the physical environment. This study would further introduce a comprehensive national power analysis and a function operation on correlation between sea power and trade to testify another correlation among physical environment, sea power and its theory.As to the ideological base of US sea power thinking, the duality of American psychology of nationalities is an attractive question. The study finds a deep root of religion that leads to this question. Either isolationism or expansionism projected an impact on the being and becoming of US sea power thinking respectively. Further, spread of overseas ideologies to the US at the time interfered with the process from outside.With respect to the practice of sea power thinking after its birth, it's necessary to put Mahan's naval strategy theory in order first, as its essence is scattered and hidden in the one after one case study on naval war history. Next is critique of Mahan's theory from both conception of history and from expertise, it's a necessary farewell before history could open its way after Mahan. From the perspective of technology, the transition of US naval strategy at the nuclear age was a departure from Mahan, yet the major adjustment of US naval strategy shortly before the end of Cold War reflected Mahan's return at a new era.The end of Cold War implicated a fundamental change of operation target, battle space and battle mode of US navy. Under this drastic change, a transition of US naval strategy is indispensable. ...From the Sea is an icon of this transition, and the publicity of Sea Power 21 indicates a repositioning of US naval strategy after the shock of 9/11 attack. Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seap owe r of 2006 is perceived as another strategic shift facing a prospect of US national power shrink. The United States wish to outsource some commitment to alleviate burdens and keep its dominant naval position intact offshore. Finally, Naval Operations Concept 2010 is a document of concept taking China as its imaginary enemy after the global financial meltdown. Its aiming is clear though far from maturity, which reflects an anxiety of the United States toward its position in a post meltdown world.In the final chapter of this paper, the study would focus on reasons behind the history of US naval strategy evolution. The logic hidden in this evolution lies in three perspectives:threat and its perception, conflict and war, and technology innovation, which would also be studied, and a conclusion would come at the end.