Why has cruiser development declined while destroyers are overworked?
Short answerThe cruiser name carries imperial associations, while large air-defense destroyers and anti-submarine frigates now perform the presence and cruising missions once assigned to cruisers.
NotesToday's air-defense destroyer is functionally an air-defense cruiser, and the anti-submarine frigate often serves as another specialized cruiser. Names changed for political and institutional reasons even as hull size, endurance, and presence duties expanded.