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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September 04, 2014

China’s War on Maritime Law

By James R. Holmes
China is using language to quietly redefine international maritime law.
August 30, 2014

Setting Naval Priorities

By James R. Holmes
The Naval Diplomat on the USS Saratoga, China's rogue pilots and setting naval priorities.

August 28, 2014

Exposing China’s Provocations

By James R. Holmes
U.S. and allied forces should film Chinese assertiveness and let the whole world see it firsthand.

August 09, 2014

Ulysses S. Grant’s East China Sea Diplomacy

By James R. Holmes
While on a post-presidential trip to Asia, General Grant mediated Sino-Japanese talks over the Ryukyu Islands.

August 07, 2014

Why the Cowpens Saga Matters

By James R. Holmes
The Cowpens story is not only bizarre. It also undercuts the fleet's reputation, which undercuts its political utility.
August 01, 2014

How the Coast Guard Evacuated Southern Manhattan on 9/11

By James R. Holmes
On 9/11, the U.S. Coast Guard evacuated nearly 500,000 people from Battery Park in southern Manhattan.

July 28, 2014

The Naval Diplomat Turns 2

By James R. Holmes
Today marks the 2nd anniversary since the Naval Diplomat flung out an "opening salvo" to announce the arrival of these pixels.
July 26, 2014

Why US Allies Shouldn’t Free Ride

By James R. Holmes
Apathy kills in alliance politics. U.S. allies should begin defending themselves if they want America to defend them.

July 24, 2014

Lies, Damned Lies and Maps

By James R. Holmes
Cartography helps set the parameters within which debates over policy and strategy unfold.

July 17, 2014

The Elements of US Maritime Strategy

By James R. Holmes
An all-encompassing U.S. maritime strategy must include all the armed forces—not just the navy, coast guard and marines.

July 14, 2014

US Surrenders Naval Logistics Supremacy

By James R. Holmes
Without underway replenishment ships, America’s ability to project power in wartime will shrivel.
July 12, 2014

History Wars: Scotland Edition

By James R. Holmes
Scotland’s bid for independence is being driven by primeval motives instead of rational interests.

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