Mahan for the Twenty First Century: His Principles Still Apply to National Power

摘要

Alfred T. Mahan (1840-1914) wrote in an era of technological change, but he always believed that the importance of sea power would remain unchanged. He set forth three requirements that were necessary for the success of a nation (production, shipping, and colonies) and six principal conditions that affect a nation's sea power: geographical position, physical conformation, extent of territory, size of the population, character of the people, and character of the government. He has often been criticized for his focus on sea power to the exclusion of all other forms of national power. But Mahan wrote about what many considered to be the most important element of national power during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The elements of national power that are important today had not yet been invented in his time and were perhaps only envisioned by science fiction writers. The criticisms of Mahan's sole focus on sea power are valid, but it is important to understand that his requirements for the success of a nation and the principles upon which he based his writings on Sea Power are just as essential today. The global dominance of the United States today is a direct result of our adherence to his principles. Mahan was not able to envision air power, space power, or information dominance as critical elements of national power. But he was an astute scholar, and the principles that he outlined as requirements for sea power are still relevant today to air power, space power, and information dominance.