For five centuries, since Vasco de Gama's ships began making the Indian Ocean a Portuguese lake, many governments used naval force to serve their political purposes. The sceptre of the seas passed from one nation to another, but political success did not always reward the strongest navy. This selective, international history of naval force as a political instrument, whether in peace or war, ranges from Calicut, navally cannonaded in 1501, to Baghdad, assailed by sea launched missiles in 1991.
'This book will be much sought after by those who have read and devoured James Cable's masterly work, Gunboat Diplomacy: Political Applications of Limited Naval Force. Not only does it encompass a far broader canvas than his earlier classic work, in both content and time, but its concluding chapter also provides some valuable lessons, and speculations, for the future. It is indeed timely.' - Rahul Roy-Chaudhury, Contemporary Security
'There is so much learning, wisdom and common sense packed into the pages of this book that no serious reader will be disappointed. It is highly recommended.' - Richard Hill, The Naval Review
'There is so much learning, wisdom and common sense packed into the pages of this book that no serious reader will be disappointed. It is highly recommended.' - Richard Hill, The Naval Review