A rationale for maritime forces the new strategic environment

Abstract

Rear Admiral Abbott introduces his article with diverse case examples of maritime commitments which illustrate effectively his subsequent breakdown of the Royal Navy's activities and obligations. Of primary importance stand the network of formal alliances within which the navy operates, achieving a variety of tasks according to the nature of the event or crisis. It is also important to remember, however, that as an island, the UK occupies a major geostrategic position guaranteeing both its own trade routes and a gateway between Europe and North America.