Chapter ยท 10:30-12:15

Why warships combine combat and diplomatic utility

Warships can support conflict management as well as combat because they have room for events and can project an image of capability.

Notes

Most army equipment and fighter aircraft are procured primarily as war-fighting tools. Naval platforms can have a second role in conflict management. A warship has space for events and other interactions that a fighter cannot accommodate, while its appearance contributes to the image of military capability. That combination gives some naval assets more flexibility in a crisis. Two flexible assets are contrasted with two less flexible ones shown on screen, though their names are not spoken.