The imagined Channel battle would not end great-power competition even if Germany were quickly defeated. A largely intact Russia might next clash with Britain over India or return to war with Japan in East Asia. The argument rests on a long-running Russian strategy of expanding toward defensible geographic boundaries, driven by a persistent sense of insecurity. Britain's rebuilding choices would depend on the theater and opponent its next fleet was expected to face.
Notable Point · 50:39-52:16
Russian expansion could make India or East Asia the next war
A short European war leaves Russia strong enough that rivalry over India or renewed conflict with Japan could replace Germany as the central postwar threat.