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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.

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China Abandons Small-Stick Diplomacy?

China Abandons Small-Stick Diplomacy?

By James R. Holmes
The latest scrap between Vietnam and China in the South China Sea saw Chinese naval vessels deployed.
How Not to Prepare for War

How Not to Prepare for War

By James R. Holmes
In conducting drills, militaries needs to fight the temptation to rig the rules in their own favor.

Why America Can’t Contain China

Why America Can’t Contain China

By James R. Holmes
Despite Beijing’s concerns, the U.S. couldn’t contain China even if it wanted to.

Assessing UNSCR 1540: Ten Years On

Assessing UNSCR 1540: Ten Years On

By James R. Holmes
UN Security Council Resolution 1540 just celebrated its 10th birthday. So far, it has a mixed record.

The Limits of Pacific Maritime Law

The Limits of Pacific Maritime Law

By James R. Holmes
The new Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea will not bring peace in our time.
Why Taiwan Wants Submarines

Why Taiwan Wants Submarines

By James R. Holmes
There is good strategic logic to Taiwan’s decision to build diesel subs. Execution is a different story.

The Geopolitics of the Black Sea

The Geopolitics of the Black Sea

By James R. Holmes
America has the Caribbean, China has the South China Sea, and Russia has the Black Sea.
The Religious Origins of Western Strategy

The Religious Origins of Western Strategy

By James R. Holmes
The West’s uneasiness with misdirection might be rooted in Christianity.

Measuring Naval Power: Bigger Ain’t Always Better

Measuring Naval Power: Bigger Ain’t Always Better

By James R. Holmes
Aggregate tonnage alone doesn’t win naval battles in the modern era, and suggesting otherwise is dangerous.

The Anatomy of Peaceful Power Transitions

The Anatomy of Peaceful Power Transitions

By James R. Holmes
World War I provides a nice contrast to the violent power transitions of Thucydides’ day.

Rome, Carthage and US-China Relations

Rome, Carthage and US-China Relations

By James R. Holmes
With all this Thucydidesmania, it’s easy to forget the important lessons the Punic Wars might offer China and the US.
Academia Embraces Reality?

Academia Embraces Reality?

By James R. Holmes
Younger academics seem to be more comfortable with pragmatism than their forbearers.

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