What is Mahan's perspective on naval warfare?

Mahan’s perspective on naval warfare centers around the idea that a strong, centralized fleet is crucial for a nation’s maritime power and influence. He argued that having a large, well-coordinated armada allows a nation to project power, control vital sea routes, and engage in decisive battles. Mahan believed that history had shown the effectiveness of large fleets in achieving significant victories and establishing dominance over adversaries.

His theories emphasized the importance of strategic naval battles where the superior force could decisively defeat an opponent. This approach shaped naval doctrine in the early 20th century, influencing how countries built and deployed their naval capabilities, often leading to the construction of dreadnoughts and the prioritization of fleet engagements. Mahan also discussed the importance of bases and coaling stations to support such fleets, reinforcing the concept that naval supremacy was critical for national security and global influence.

In contrast, guerrilla tactics, small agile forces, and strong coastal defenses represent alternative approaches to military strategy that do not align with Mahan's emphasis on centralized fleet strength and decisive large-scale engagements.