James Holmes

Everything old is new again. As in past ages, rising and established powers are gazing seaward–and thinking about how to use sea power to advance their power and purposes. Professor Jim Holmes sizes up the prospects for competition and cooperation in maritime Asia–looking back across history to catch sight of the future.

America's Pivot Tripped Up Down Under?

Canberra has a delicate balancing act to play when considering future American plans in the Pacific.

Top 5 Things China’s Navy Needs...To Be a Blue-water Navy

While carriers and missiles make news, China’s navy needs platforms, skills, and habits to go global.

An Evolution at Sea

While marine technology has come a long way, new advances can create new limitations.

A Bold Stand in the South China Sea

How recent events are testing an old concept —whether might makes right.

Help China Name Its Carrier!

Jim Holmes asks for your help to name China’s newest weapon of war.

Bismarck, Not Zod!

How skillful diplomacy would be better suited to achieving Chinese foreign policy goals – not senseless bluster.

Defining Military Strategy

Does allocating a certain amount of national resources towards defense equal a military strategy?

My 'Opening Salvo'

An introduction to the latest blog from the Diplomat, from one of its most accomplished and celebrated authors.

India's Military Comes of Age: The BrahMos Missile

With a top speed approaching Mach 3.0, the supersonic BrahMos missile is a game changer – for many reasons.