To Rule the Waves

More about the book

For centuries, oceans served as battlegrounds for empires vying for dominance. However, in the nuclear age, air power and missile systems overshadowed maritime concerns, and the U.S. economy relied heavily on domestic production, with trucking and railways as primary transit modes. This landscape has shifted dramatically, as today, nine-tenths of global commerce and most energy trade depend on sea-based flows. A brightly-painted 40-foot steel shipping container filled with goods from Asia can reach nearly any destination worldwide, revealing the complexities of maritime trade and the ongoing struggle for power at sea. In vivid prose, the author takes readers on a captivating journey through modern ports and naval bases—from the bustling container ports of Shanghai and Hong Kong to the strategic naval base of the American 7th fleet in Hawaii and the advanced security measures in New York's port. The narrative delves into the mechanics of global commerce, highlights the current naval arms race, and underscores the oceans' importance to America's future. Ultimately, the book poses a critical question: who will rule the waves and define the terms of the emerging world order?