A route from Clausewitz to modern naval theory

Where should a reader begin with strategic and naval theory?

Start with Clausewitz, continue through Mahan and Corbett, and include B. J. Armstrong for a modern historically grounded approach.

A useful route through strategic thought begins with Clausewitz and then moves into Mahan and Corbett. From there the reading can proceed period by period toward contemporary theory. B. J. Armstrong's books offer a modern approach to naval strategy grounded in historical work. The sequence gives learners named entry points and shows that theory can emerge from historical analysis rather than only from self-identified theorists.