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.

Posts by James R. Holmes
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February 21, 2013

The Importance of Clear Writing

“Victory may go to the contestant who conveys ideas more fluently, not the one with superior ideas.”

February 19, 2013

Adapting to Change

Massive shocks that shatter outdated ways of transacting business are few and far between.

February 15, 2013

America's Deterrence Problem

“If Tehran doubts either American capability or American fortitude, Washington will be unable to forestall a nuclear breakout.”

February 14, 2013

Whales, Elephants and Hawks

Our Naval Diplomat takes an interesting look at sea, land and air power.

February 11, 2013

Five Things Japan Could Have Done to Beat America

Could Japan have followed a different path during World War II and defeated America?

February 09, 2013

Gwadar and the "String of Pearls"

“India should keep watch while holding its fears in check. The sky may fall — but not today.”

February 06, 2013

Japan and China: Tensions Mounting

Drama in the East China Sea between Tokyo and Beijing has gone from bad to worse.

February 04, 2013

The Vertical Axis in U.S. Foreign Policy

“…we seldom think of our hemisphere as a potential battleground…”

February 01, 2013

Is Asia’s Balance of Power Self-Enforcing?

What history says about such a concept seems telling. Will the Asia-Pacific be any different?

January 31, 2013

Top 5 Naval Battles of the Asia-Pacific

By James R. Holmes
The Asia-Pacific has certainly seen its share of battles. Which one do you think will take the top spot?

January 28, 2013

Insurgency and Counterinsurgency: A Contest for Political Legitimacy

“After promising the world to win the sympathies of the people, the victor must deliver.”

January 26, 2013

The Vietnam War Meets Isaiah Berlin

Philosopher Isaiah Berlin presents students of the Vietnam War a unique way to classify key decision makers.

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