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.
October 16, 2012
The Second Nuclear Age
While nuclear inventories have decreased dramatically since the end of the Cold War, new states are gaining atomic weapons.
October 15, 2012
Japan's Cold War Navy
“An unintended consequence of Cold War maritime strategy is that the JMSDF remains a partial navy.”
October 10, 2012
If Romney Wins, Does the U.S. Navy Expand?
A recent interview suggests a Romney win could see an expansion of the U.S. Navy. Can he convince the public?
October 08, 2012
India's Aircraft Carrier Challenge
It’s hard for outsiders to take the measure of a navy in peacetime. News of India’s Russian built carrier does shed some light.
October 07, 2012
Thinking About the Unthinkable: War in the Senkakus
Japan is at a disadvantage in the Senkakus despite the Self-Defense Forces’ superior quality.
October 04, 2012
Taking a Page From Sci-Fi
What can science fiction tells us about present day military tactics and strategy? For one: an over reliance on technology can be fatal.
October 03, 2012
History Not Worth Emulating
“Americans and their leaders made the conscious political choice not to field a great navy—and paid a heavy price for that decision.”
October 02, 2012
Top 5 Reasons Not to Ballyhoo China’s Carrier
China has recently commissioned its first aircraft carrier. How does it stack up against its competition?
September 30, 2012
Bismarck, The Kaiser, and China
Why China’s recent actions conjure up some interesting historical comparisons.
September 27, 2012
"Command of the Sea by Non-Traditional Means."
It takes unconventional methods to command the sea against an unconventional enemy.
September 25, 2012
The Nightmare Scenario: A U.S.-China War: Part V
“…even the ultimate outcome of a war is not always to be regarded as final.”
September 24, 2012
The Nightmare Scenario: A U.S.-China War: Part IV
China’s Rope-a-Dope Strategy: Don’t expect the PLA to pit strength against strength until it has to.