The Diplomat | Author
James R. Holmes
James R. Holmes is a defense analyst for The Diplomat and a professor of strategy at the U.S. Naval War College where he specializes in U.S., Chinese and Indian maritime strategy and U.S. diplomatic and military history.
He is co-author of Red Star over the Pacific, an Atlantic Monthly Best Foreign Affairs Book for 2010 and a former US Navy surface warfare officer.
The views voiced here are his alone.
August 10, 2013
Lee Kuan Yew: Asia’s Confucianist Edmund Burke
Asia’s Henry Kissinger outlines his worldview and thoughts about the future. It’s well worth a read.
August 08, 2013
Japan’s Grandstanding in the East China Sea
The Naval Diplomat salutes the nonchalance with which Japan “unveiled” its new carrier-like helicopter destroyer.
August 05, 2013
Why China is Building More Aircraft Carriers
“Let’s not assume the PLA Navy is in any hurry to equal the capabilities found in U.S. nuclear-powered flattops.”
August 03, 2013
Orwell’s Healthy Skepticism of Science
George Orwell wanted society to be more skeptical of sciences. In fact, he doesn’t go far enough.
July 31, 2013
How Pearl Harbor Shaped US Submarine Doctrine
US subs were used defensively before Pearl Harbor, which transformed them into an offensive, decentralized force.
July 29, 2013
No, China’s Coast Guard Won’t Reduce Tensions
Don’t be fooled: unifying China’s maritime agencies will create new issues, not solve existing ones.
July 27, 2013
4 Tenets of Fighting Insurgents
“If you want excellent generals, admirals, and senior enlisted tomorrow, then, loosen the reins today.”
July 26, 2013
The Gulf of Guinea: Jack Sparrow’s New Haunt?
Pirates have moved from the Gulf of Aden, to the Gulf of Guinea. This should make them easy prey.
July 22, 2013
The Insurgents’ Head Game
Weak actors prevail in conflict by convincing the strong of what they can’t do-namely, win.
July 21, 2013
Strategic Triangle: A Japan-Australia-India Coalition at Sea?
Mutual interests and threats make a triangular maritime coalition sensible. But will it be enough?
July 18, 2013
How Japan’s Military Should Change
“Providing the best defense possible while affronting the fewest audiences possible should be Tokyo’s goal.”
July 15, 2013
A Global Call to Arms Control
Nine years after UNSC 1540 passed, progress remains uneven and incomplete.