James Goldrick argues that rigorous historical study supplies context and the first questions for policy makers. Historical principles can help reassess earlier policies, but they do not automatically fit contemporary conditions. He describes strategic studies without historical analysis as mortar without bricks. Herbert Richmond used history to develop judgement and establish the context for credible policy, with contemporary naval problems remaining his professional priority. Alternate-history questions offer a related test of whether a historian understands a period well enough to identify the consequences of a changed decision and recognise gaps in that understanding.
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History as a source of strategic questions
Goldrick's account of Corbett and Richmond connects rigorous historical research with strategic judgement and the questions policy makers need to ask.