Military History buffs !

[Simon-JG-hr]

The UK aren't even allowed to fire their very expensive nukes wthout the double key possessed by the US!

Theoretically (important word missed there... ).

The decline in crude oil stocks could have the reverse effect - it could lead to greater superpowers. For large scale conflicts, 'joint sea basing' is still the most effective platform - people, equipment and command are all brought in by sea (the lift of a Landing Platform Dock is about 100 times greater than the largest transport plane currently in service).

These large ships, such as Landing Platform Docks and Aircraft Carriers, can be powered easily (I use the word loosely) by means other than oil/coal. Indeed, the Americans already use nuclear powered aircraft carriers. Nuclear propulsion was considered for our new carriers, but for some absurd reason oil was preferred (despite greater through-life costs). We can also see nuclear powered submarines in the world's major navies.

Only those at the top will, therefore, be able to continue to maintain a force projection capability worthy of the name. The gap between those at the top and those in the middle will widen. It's just a case of waiting to see when the Chinese start to consider their force projection capabilities. At the moment they have a huge army and air force, but can't really get them anywhere. They've also got a large navy, but it's more of a coastal defence force... Watch out though, they are developing their nuclear subs hard.

[Giulio]

"On the laternative side is the fact there must be hundreds of scientists beavering away in a mountain somewhere, looking for an alternative to crude oil. If they don't find it, the Itlaians may, once again, become a superpower! "

I am happy to be a Cultural Superpower instead! :P

[deltawhisky]

Certainly a cultural superpower - I came back from Italy awe-inspired by the place.

Simon, will be interesting to see the new powers and their strategic developments over the coming years - I underestimated the continuing importance of the navy and the sheer force of naval power in the world.

[Simon-JG-hr]

At the risk of indoctrinating you, I can heartily recommend BR1806, more commonly known as British Maritime Doctrine, (available from TSO). As well as being vital reading for RN officers, it is also very interesting for anyone interested in strategic studies, and specifically the role of a modern maritime force.

Also worth a cursory glace is British Defence Doctrine (online PDF).

NATO publications are very close copies of British doctrine (as we have the best background in producing them). The Americans produce expensive, shiny, effective equipment and masses of man power... we produce doctrine and the most overpriced (decade late) fighter jet of all time...

[Simon-JG-hr]

Which leads us onto another point actually...

Nuclear is the answer for navies. Armies will likely take the lead from the automotive industry (or vice versa?) for land-vehicle propulsion solutions. That just leaves the air space. How will military aircraft be fuelled in the future?

We do seem to have drifted slightly from the opening question of the thread... (I blame deltawhisky and celsis... )

[deltawhisky]

Ah .. it's general off topic ... the thin link between cigar smoking and strategic studies is the smoke that comes out of the jets. Thanks for the BR1806 suggestion, I will note that down this minute! Cheers--

[Simon-JG-hr]

Definitely worth getting. You get issued with a copy at Britannia Royal Naval College. Then they take it off you when you leave. It was so good, that when I started studying International Relations I bought a copy for myself (as Maritime Doctrine/force projection will be the basis for my dissertation).

[deltawhisky]

Top subject mate.

I am currently researching climate change and IR.

[yankeefan]

it is really amazing to think of how powerfull a country like germany was, and to think a country like russia was on our side in ww2 . there were many mistakes made after the war, such as splitting up europe. but i also understand the soviet union did have something to say about all this since they did fight for it.