Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840 – 1914) was an American geostrategist and proponent of sea power as the dominant factor in human affairs. Organized force alone enables the quiet and the weak to go about their business and to sleep securely in their beds, safe from the violent without or within.

Alfred Thayer Mahan father of sea-power
Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840 – 1914) was an American geostrategist of sea power.

Probaway maximizing on Alfred Thayer Mahan

1. An organized force protecting their public enables those people to live quiet and productive lives safe from external and internal violence.
Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840-1914) was a renowned American naval officer and historian, primarily known for his work “The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783,” where he expounded on his philosophy of sea power and its critical role in the rise and fall of nations. The quote you provided, while not directly from his writings, reflects key aspects of his general philosophy.

His statement can be broken down into several core principles that align with Mahan’s philosophy:

  1. The importance of an organized force: Mahan stressed the significance of having a well-structured, well-trained, and well-equipped naval force. He posited that a nation’s power and prosperity are heavily reliant on its ability to control the sea lanes, protect its maritime trade, and project its influence overseas. This idea aligns with the concept of an ‘organized force’ serving a protective function.
  2. The necessity of protection: Mahan’s belief in the power of a strong naval force was rooted in the idea that such a force could provide a significant degree of protection against both external and internal threats. External threats might include military aggression from other nations, while internal threats could entail social unrest or economic instability. By maintaining a powerful naval presence, a nation could deter potential aggressors and promote stability at home.
  3. The link between security and productivity: Mahan emphasized the connection between a nation’s security and its economic productivity. In his view, a safe and secure society would be more likely to foster trade, industry, and overall prosperity. By providing a ‘quiet’ and secure environment, an organized force could create the conditions necessary for a society to thrive.
  4. The idea of sea power as a deterrent: Implicit in this statement is the notion that the presence of a powerful and organized force can act as a deterrent to potential aggressors. This aligns with Mahan’s views on the role of naval power. He contended that a strong navy not only enabled a country to wage war if necessary, but it also served as a deterrent to other nations considering military action.

In summary, the quote reflects Mahan’s belief in the central role of a strong, organized force (particularly naval) in ensuring a nation’s security, fostering its economic productivity, and deterring potential threats. It aligns with his broader philosophy of sea power as a fundamental determinant of national strength and prosperity.

2. Careful study of the precursors of leaders’ behavior found in history will give foundations to foresee living leaders’ behavior.

  1. The importance of historical study: Mahan was a historian and he saw immense value in studying the past. He believed that historical events were not random, but rather the result of identifiable patterns and causal relationships. In his view, understanding these patterns could provide insights into the potential behavior of current and future leaders.
  2. Leaders’ behavior as a key factor: Mahan’s focus on leaders’ behavior aligns with his broader understanding of naval strategy and geopolitics. He recognized that the decisions of leaders – whether political, military, or otherwise – could have profound impacts on the fate of nations. This perspective underscores his emphasis on studying the behavior of leaders throughout history.
  3. Prediction of future events: Mahan believed that by understanding historical patterns and leaders’ behaviors, it would be possible to anticipate future events to some extent. This predictive element is a key aspect of strategic thinking, allowing for better preparation and response to potential scenarios.
  4. Learning from the past: Implicit in this statement is the idea that history is a valuable teacher. By studying the successes and failures of past leaders, current and future leaders can glean important lessons and strategies. This aligns with Mahan’s emphasis on the instructional power of history.

3. The better prepared and disciplined a battle force is, the more reluctant a commander must be to engage because chaos is likely and order destroyed.

  1. Preparation and discipline: Mahan stressed the importance of a well-prepared and disciplined naval force, believing that such a force could effectively control sea lanes and protect maritime trade. Preparation and discipline, in his view, were essential to a navy’s ability to project power and deter potential aggressors.
  2. The reluctance to engage: Despite the importance Mahan placed on having a strong, prepared, and disciplined force, this quote suggests a certain reluctance to actually engage in combat. This seems to reflect an understanding of the unpredictability and potentially devastating effects of war. Even a well-prepared force could face substantial losses and chaos in battle.
  3. War as a last resort: This quote implies a view of war as a last resort, to be avoided if at all possible. By maintaining a powerful and disciplined force, a nation could deter potential aggressors without actually having to engage in combat. This aligns with Mahan’s emphasis on naval power as a deterrent.
  4. The fragility of order: The final part of the quote, “chaos is likely and order destroyed,” underscores a recognition of the inherent unpredictability and destructive nature of war. Even the most disciplined and well-prepared force can be thrown into disarray in the chaos of battle.

4. In 1890, the United States is growing in economic power and is now prey to foreign invasion unless it develops a powerful navy.

  1. The link between economic and military power: Mahan recognized the interconnectedness of economic growth and military strength. He saw a country’s economic power as a source of its military power and vice versa. In his view, the United States’ growing economic power necessitated a corresponding increase in its naval power.
  2. The importance of a strong navy: Mahan’s philosophy heavily emphasized the role of naval power in national security. He argued that a powerful navy was essential for protecting a country’s economic interests, particularly its overseas trade. This perspective is reflected in his assertion that the United States could become ‘prey to foreign invasion’ without a strong navy.
  3. The idea of deterrence: Implicit in this statement is the concept of deterrence. By building a powerful navy, the United States could deter potential aggressors and protect its economic interests. This aligns with Mahan’s belief in the utility of naval power as a deterrent.
  4. National security and global standing: Mahan believed that the strength of a nation’s navy was a key indicator of its global standing. A powerful navy not only ensured the country’s security but also projected its influence overseas. As such, the development of a strong navy was crucial for the United States to maintain its growing influence and status as a global power.

5. Colonies abroad create naval bases from which power may be projected in all directions creating security for one’s homeland.

  1. The strategic importance of colonies: Mahan lived in an era of colonial expansion, where overseas colonies were seen as critical sources of resources and strategic bases. He viewed these colonies as crucial in extending a nation’s influence and power, providing outposts from which to project naval power globally.
  2. Projection of power: Mahan believed that a powerful navy was not only for defense but also for projecting a nation’s power abroad. This projection of power serves to protect the nation’s interests, deter potential adversaries, and ensure free and secure sea lanes for commerce.
  3. Naval bases and sea power: For Mahan, having naval bases abroad was a significant aspect of maintaining and projecting sea power. These bases would serve as launch points for a nation’s navy, allowing it to operate effectively over greater distances and exert its influence in far-flung regions.
  4. Security of the homeland: Mahan saw the strategic positioning of colonies and naval bases as a means to protect the homeland. By maintaining a presence in these distant locations, a nation could deter potential threats and intervene quickly if its interests were threatened.

6. A military force that is known to exist but is not belligerent is most successful in maintaining peaceful relations.

  1. The role of military power: Mahan posited that military power, specifically naval power, was central to a nation’s strength and international standing. A known and recognized military force served as a deterrent, discouraging potential adversaries from aggressive actions.
  2. Non-belligerence: Despite his emphasis on military strength, Mahan didn’t advocate for aggressive or belligerent behavior. He saw the ideal use of a military force as a deterrent rather than a tool for provocation. This perspective suggests a nuanced understanding of the function of military power, emphasizing the potential for strength to ensure peace rather than incite conflict.
  3. Maintenance of peaceful relations: Mahan believed that a strong, non-belligerent military force could help to maintain peaceful international relations. This aligns with his broader philosophy of sea power as a stabilizing influence. By deterring potential aggressors, a powerful navy could foster an environment of peace and stability conducive to trade and prosperity.
  4. Deterrence strategy: The quote underlines a key aspect of Mahan’s strategic thinking: deterrence. A military force “known to exist” exerts a psychological effect on potential adversaries, deterring them from taking aggressive actions for fear of the response it would provoke. The strategy of deterrence is essentially defensive, aimed at preserving peace and stability rather than provoking conflict.

7. We must realize the effect of control of the earth’s oceans on national commercial travel and military access to most of the world.

  1. Control of the oceans: Mahan believed that dominance over the world’s oceans was a key determinant of a nation’s power and prosperity. He saw sea power not merely as a matter of naval strength, but as a broader concept encompassing control over trade routes, access to resources, and geopolitical influence.
  2. Commercial travel: Mahan acknowledged the vital role of the oceans in facilitating global trade. He understood that control over the oceans would enable a nation to protect its commercial interests, secure its trade routes, and potentially influence the economic affairs of other nations.
  3. Military access: In addition to its commercial implications, control of the oceans also has significant military consequences. A nation with superior naval power can project its military strength across the globe, deter potential adversaries, and intervene quickly and effectively in regions of strategic importance.
  4. Global influence: The quote underscores Mahan’s belief in the global implications of sea power. He recognized that a nation’s ability to control the oceans would greatly enhance its global influence, affecting not only its own affairs but also the balance of power among nations.

8. The general principles for military operations have remained operative through the millennia of weapons development and social shifts.

  1. Continuity of strategic principles: Mahan believed that certain fundamental principles of military strategy remained consistent over time, regardless of changes in technology or societal norms. These principles could include the importance of concentration of force, the value of strategic positioning, or the utility of surprise, among others.
  2. Adaptation to changing conditions: While Mahan emphasized the constancy of strategic principles, he also acknowledged the necessity of adapting to changing conditions. The development of new weapons and shifts in social structures would require adjustments in strategy and tactics, but the underlying principles guiding these adaptations would remain consistent.
  3. Historical perspective: As a historian, Mahan saw the study of history as essential to understanding and applying these enduring strategic principles. By analyzing historical military campaigns, one could gain insights into these principles and how they might be applied in contemporary contexts.
  4. Technological and social changes: The quote acknowledges the impact of technological and social changes on military operations. While these changes might affect the specifics of how military operations are conducted, Mahan believed that they would not fundamentally alter the basic principles of strategy.

9. Be careful comparing history to now as there is a tendency to let differences be invisible and ignored and likenesses to be easily seen and magnified.

  1. The importance of historical context: Mahan stressed the importance of taking into account the specific historical context when comparing past events to the present. He warned against the tendency to overlook differences between historical periods and to overemphasize similarities.
  2. The dangers of oversimplification: The quote reflects Mahan’s understanding of the dangers of oversimplification in historical analysis. He recognized the risk of magnifying similarities and ignoring differences, which could lead to a distorted or superficial understanding of the past and its relevance to the present.
  3. Historical insight with caution: While Mahan championed the value of historical study, he also advised caution. He cautioned against the uncritical application of historical lessons to the present, suggesting that a nuanced understanding of history required an appreciation of both its differences and its similarities to the present.
  4. Balanced perspective: Mahan believed in the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective in historical analysis. He warned against the tendency to either overly romanticize the past or to dismiss its relevance entirely.

10. Peaceful people are focused on the present, but military preparation is about seeing people’s future motives, capabilities, and situations.

  1. The foresight in military preparation: Mahan emphasizes the importance of looking to the future in preparing a military force. This involves anticipating potential threats, understanding the capabilities of potential adversaries, and assessing likely future situations. This foresight allows for better planning and increases the chances of success in any potential military conflict.
  2. The difference between civilian and military perspectives: The quote suggests a contrast between the civilian focus on the present and the military emphasis on future preparation. Mahan seems to suggest that while peaceful civilians may be more inclined to concentrate on the present, military leaders must always be considering and preparing for future possibilities.
  3. Understanding motives and capabilities: Mahan highlights the importance of understanding not just the current capabilities of potential adversaries, but also their motives and likely future actions. This suggests a holistic approach to military strategy, one that takes into account the complexities of human behavior and geopolitical dynamics.
  4. Preparation as a form of deterrence: Implicit in this quote is the idea that a well-prepared military can act as a deterrent to potential adversaries. By preparing for future threats, a nation can discourage aggression and maintain peace.

11. The history of seaboard nations has been greatly influenced by their physical strategic position and the people’s size and character.

  1. The significance of geography: Mahan recognized the importance of a nation’s physical position in determining its strategic advantages or disadvantages. Coastal nations, with easy access to the sea, have the potential to develop a powerful naval force and engage in global trade, which can significantly impact their growth and development.
  2. The role of demographics: Mahan also pointed to the importance of a nation’s population size in shaping its history. Larger populations can provide more resources for nation-building, including a larger workforce, more potential soldiers, and a larger domestic market, which can contribute to economic growth and military strength.
  3. The impact of national character: Alongside geography and demographics, Mahan recognized the influence of national character— the shared values, attitudes, and behaviors of a nation’s people— on its history. This could influence various aspects, including the willingness to engage in maritime exploration or warfare, attitudes towards trade and commerce, or the propensity to innovate and adapt.
  4. The interplay of factors: Mahan’s quote also suggests his understanding of the complex interplay between these factors— geography, demographics, and national character— and how they collectively shape the course of a nation’s history, particularly for nations with significant coastlines.

12. Sea power is most effective when it is invisible but known to be within striking distance at any time.

  1. The strategic importance of invisibility: Mahan emphasized the value of stealth in naval strategy. An invisible force can move undetected, giving it the strategic advantage of surprise. It also creates uncertainty in potential adversaries, making it more difficult for them to plan or execute offensive strategies.
  2. Presence and deterrence: Even while invisible, the knowledge of a formidable naval force nearby can act as a deterrent to potential aggressors. The mere potential of a swift and effective response can maintain peace and stability by discouraging hostile actions.
  3. Readiness and responsiveness: The idea of a force being “within striking distance at any time” reflects Mahan’s emphasis on readiness and rapid response. A naval force must be prepared to act quickly and decisively when needed, which requires constant vigilance, effective strategic positioning, and efficient logistics.
  4. Psychological warfare: Mahan understood that military power wasn’t just about physical strength; it also involved psychological elements. The knowledge of a hidden yet potent force can create psychological pressure on potential adversaries, adding to the overall effectiveness of a naval strategy.

13. A war must be waged offensively, aggressively, and decisively. The goal is not to fend the enemy off but to lay him prostrate.

  1. Offensive warfare: Mahan believed that in war, it is crucial to seize the initiative and take the fight to the enemy. He advocated for offensive operations as a way to keep the enemy off balance and dictate the pace and direction of the conflict.
  2. Aggression: The emphasis on aggression is also a key aspect of Mahan’s philosophy. He understood that a war cannot be won by being passive or reactive. Instead, maintaining an aggressive stance can disrupt enemy plans and force them to react to your actions.
  3. Decisiveness: Mahan stressed the importance of decisiveness in warfare. This involves not just making firm decisions, but also acting on them quickly and effectively to exploit opportunities and gain an advantage over the enemy.
  4. Dominance, not defense: The quote reflects Mahan’s belief that the ultimate goal in war is not merely to fend off the enemy, but to achieve complete dominance. This involves incapacitating the enemy’s ability to fight, thereby ensuring a decisive victory and minimizing the chances of future conflict.

In summary, the quote reflects Mahan’s belief in the importance of offensive, aggressive, and decisive action in warfare. It underscores his understanding that the goal in war is not merely to defend against the enemy, but to achieve dominance and incapacitate the enemy’s ability to wage war. This perspective is a key aspect of his broader philosophy on naval warfare and military strategy.

Some possible ideas for creating a visual presentation.

1. An organized force protecting their public enables those people to live quiet and productive lives safe from external and internal violence.

6. A military force that is known to exist but is not belligerent is most successful in maintaining peaceful relations.

10. Peaceful people are focused on the present, but military preparation is about seeing people’s future motives, capabilities, and situations.

12. Sea power is most effective when it is invisible but known to be within striking distance at any time.

Whoever controls the choke points of world trade controls the sea, and whoever controls the sea controls the world. At least, that was true until the advent of air power in the 1940s, the internet in the 1990s, and AI in 2023.

Alfred Thayer Mahan: “The Influence of Sea Power Upon History” as Strategy, Grand Strategy, and Polemic