The framework divides British defence requirements into imperial policing, deterrence, and insurance if deterrence failed. The army was chiefly maintained for policing and war insurance, while the Royal Navy and RAF had to serve all three purposes. Air power underpinned home defence, but sea power was treated as the foundation of imperial security because hostile control of key waters could threaten possessions and communications. Political disagreement remained over how much fleet strength that foundation required. The Admiralty associated naval power with Britain's influence in world affairs, while many politicians preferred a narrower force sized against likely threats in home and imperial waters.
Notable Point · 7:10-8:08
Policing, deterrence, and insurance in British strategy
Interwar British planners divided defence requirements into imperial policing, deterrence, and insurance against deterrence failing, with sea power carrying a central role in all three.