Book cover of Seapower States

Book description

One of the most eminent historians of our age investigates the extraordinary success of five small maritime states

"A superb survey of the perennial opportunities and risks in what Herman Melville called 'the watery part of the world.'"-William Anthony Hay, Wall Street Journal

Andrew Lambert, author of The…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Seapower States as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

In a world grappling with shifting power dynamics in which maritime trade is vital, naval dominance remains a defining force. This book examines how small but ambitious states like Athens, Venice, and Britain used their maritime identities to punch far above their weight. These "seapowers" thrived by embracing openness, innovation, and global reach—until they lost sight of what made them exceptional and collapsed. 

Understanding the difference between a naval power and a seapower is crucial today, especially to anyone who wants to understand China-U.S. relations since the return of Donald Trump. The U.S. and China wield massive fleets, but their…

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Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

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