British imperial power joined cultural ties to a security structure. The dominions and imperial forces of 1939 were more interdependent than their modern successors, particularly in security. NATO supplies the modern comparison: a large military guarantee can give its provider considerable political influence. A threat to Royal Navy protection could therefore mobilize distant partners and resources.
Notable Point · 8:42-9:24
Empire as a security network
British imperial relationships are treated as a security system in which military protection produced political influence and dependence.