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How Political Neglect Is Choking American Seapower and What to Do About It

Dylan Mitchell

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Published in Seablindness: How Political Neglect Is Choking American Seapower And What To Do About It

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America's seapower has been on the decline for decades, and this is due in large part to political neglect. This neglect has manifested itself in a number of ways, including:

Seablindness: How Political Neglect Is Choking American Seapower and What to Do About It

by Michael E. Kraft

4.7 out of 5

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Inadequate funding for the Navy: The Navy's budget has been flat or declining in real terms for years, and this has made it difficult for the service to keep up with the growing threats it faces.
Delays in shipbuilding: The Navy's shipbuilding program has been plagued by delays, which has resulted in a smaller and less capable fleet.
A lack of focus on maritime strategy: The United States has not had a coherent maritime strategy for decades, and this has made it difficult to prioritize naval spending and shipbuilding.

The consequences of this neglect are serious. The Navy is now smaller and less capable than it was during the Cold War, and it is struggling to keep up with the growing threats it faces. These threats include:

China's growing naval power: China is rapidly expanding its navy, and it is now the second-largest navy in the world. China's naval ambitions are a major threat to American interests in the Pacific.
Russia's assertive behavior: Russia has been increasingly assertive in recent years, and it has used its navy to intimidate its neighbors. Russia's naval activity is a threat to American interests in Europe and the Arctic.
Terrorism: Terrorism remains a major threat to American interests around the world, and the Navy plays a vital role in combating terrorism.

The United States needs to take action to address the decline of its seapower. This will require a commitment from both the political and military leadership to increase funding for the Navy, accelerate shipbuilding, and develop a coherent maritime strategy. Only by taking these steps can the United States maintain its maritime dominance and protect its interests around the world.

Recommendations

The following are some specific recommendations for addressing the decline of American seapower:

Increase funding for the Navy: The Navy's budget should be increased by at least 3% above inflation each year for the next five years. This will allow the Navy to invest in new ships, aircraft, and weapons systems.
Accelerate shipbuilding: The Navy should accelerate its shipbuilding program by building more ships each year. This will help to increase the size of the fleet and make it more capable.
Develop a coherent maritime strategy: The United States should develop a coherent maritime strategy that outlines its goals and objectives for naval power. This strategy should be based on a realistic assessment of the threats facing the United States and its interests.
Encourage innovation: The Navy should encourage innovation in shipbuilding and naval warfare. This can be done by investing in research and development, and by working with industry to develop new technologies.
Strengthen alliances: The United States should strengthen its alliances with other maritime powers. This will help to deter potential adversaries and ensure that the United States has access to the resources it needs to maintain its maritime dominance.

By taking these steps, the United States can address the decline of its seapower and maintain its maritime dominance. This is essential for protecting American interests around the world and ensuring the security of the global commons.

The decline of American seapower is a serious threat to national security. The United States must take action to address this decline by increasing funding for the Navy, accelerating shipbuilding, and developing a coherent maritime strategy. Only by taking these steps can the United States maintain its maritime dominance and protect its interests around the world.

Author's note: This article is based on a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The report, titled "The Decline of American Seapower," was published in January 2023.

Image credits:

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) underway in the Atlantic Ocean. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary Melvin/U.S. Navy.
Chinese Type 055 destroyer. Photo by China Military Online.
Russian Navy frigate Admiral Gorshkov. Photo by Russian Ministry of Defense.

Seablindness: How Political Neglect Is Choking American Seapower and What to Do About It

by Michael E. Kraft

4.7 out of 5