Small Navies ― Strategy and Policy for Small Navies in War and Peace

Whilst maritime studies tend to reflect the dominance of large navies, history shows how relatively small naval forces can have a disproportionately large impact on global events. From Confederate commerce raiders in the nineteenth century, to Somali pirates today, even the most minor of maritime forces can become a key player on a global stage. Examining a broad range of examples, this volume addresses the roles and activities of small navies in the past and the present at the national, regional and international level. In particular, it focusses on the different ways in which such forces have identified and addressed national and international security challenges and the way in which they interact with other navies and security agencies. In addition the collection also investigates the relationship of such navies with non-governmental organisations, institutions and bodies in pursuit of broader maritime goals, be they political, financial or environmental. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach drawing on the best new research from the fields of international relations, security studies, strategic studies and maritime history, the book examines the diversity of experience amongst different smaller navies and also establishes areas of similarity. Divided into two sections, part one begins with a number of chapters that are theoretical in nature, whilst part two provides case studies that offer a more regional focus, including analysis of the challenges facing contemporary navies and historical case studies designed to reveal the experience of small navies over time. By adopting an approach that combines historical considerations with analysis of current events, the collection offers a unique perspective on the role that small navies have played in wider nautical affairs and their continued impact upon global maritime strategies.

Michael Mulqueen is Professor of Media and Security Innovation, Director of the Centre for Applied Research in Security Innovation and Head of the Department of Media and Communication at Liverpool Hope University.Among Michaela€?s publications is Re-evaluating Irish national security policy: Affordable threats? (2009), the standard text in national security policy making for all officer cadets, officers and Senior Command Team of the Irish Navy. Deborah Sanders is a Senior Lecturer at the Defence Studies Department at Kinga€?s College London and the UK Joint Services Command and Staff College. She teaches a range of topics relating to international relations, strategic studies and contemporary security and has particular expertise in the former Soviet Union, in particular Ukraine, and in maritime policy. She is the author of Security Cooperation between Russia and Ukraine in the Post-Soviet Era (2000) and Maritime Power in the Black Sea forthcoming with Ashgate 2014. Ian Speller is a senior lecturer and Director of the Centre for Military History and Strategic Studies at the National University of Ireland Maynooth. He also teaches at the Irish Defence Forces Military College and provides lectures in naval warfare and maritime strategy for the Irish Naval Services. He is co-author of Understanding Modern Warfare (2008) and author of Understanding Naval Warfare (2014).