The Soviet Union's limited global surface force helped push Britain toward continental commitments such as the British Army of the Rhine when NATO formed. In this counterfactual, Soviet naval reach makes control of the North Atlantic and global trade a more urgent alliance problem. Britain could rely more heavily on a maritime power base associated with Julian Corbett's strategic tradition. That choice would redirect money, forces, and alliance obligations from the continent toward sea lines of communication.
Notable Point · 50:37-51:45
A more maritime NATO instead of an Army-of-the-Rhine focus
A Soviet ocean-going fleet could shift NATO's early emphasis toward North Atlantic trade and Britain's maritime strategy.