Dr. James W.E. Smith

The Royal Navy 1546-2026?

Dr James W.E. Smith asks if the threshold of the Royal Navy being considered as ended, has been met.

Jun 30 • Dr James W.E. Smith

April 2026

How the UK Squandered its Naval Might

The 2026 Iran Crisis has exposed what many feared about the state of the Royal Navy but Dr James WE Smith, argues it's far worse than that.

Apr 20 • Dr James W.E. Smith

If Admiralty was restored, how might it manage the Royal Navy in 2026?

If Britain re-established an Admiralty independently or part of a vastly downsized and streamlined Ministry of Defence, what course might it chart for…

Apr 9 • Dr James W.E. Smith

March 2026

Britain as a Seapower is over after 480 years?

Britain's Abandoned Seapower: a case study in deconstruction and the end of strategy.

Mar 2 • Dr James W.E. Smith

10:50

February 2026

The American Sea Power Paradox: Why the US is More Naval Than Maritime

America's strength at sea isn't organic, inherent, or easily projected—making the oscillating fate of the USN a logical progression.

Feb 26 • Dr James W.E. Smith

January 2026

Seablindness Rules Britannia.

From the Red Sea’s trade routes to Whitehall’s policy frameworks and into classroom curricula, a persistent issue emerges: seablindness, and now, it is…

Jan 28 • Dr James W.E. Smith

The Challenges for Space Strategy

Dr Smith and Dr Klein repeat their annual tradition of debating timely space related defence topics.

Jan 27 • Dr James W.E. Smith

1:31:13

December 2025

Britain Needs Admiralty not a Ministry of War.

Restoration of national strategy hand-in-hand with fundamental defence organisational change is the key to the successful defence of Britain & its…

Dec 19, 2025 • Dr James W.E. Smith

October 2025

Endgame for Seablindness: defence organisation and the future of the Royal Navy and the United States Navy

Navies must reinvent themselves and retake the lead on defence organisation. Their futures, that of national defence strategy and warfare may very well…

Oct 28, 2025 • Dr James W.E. Smith

Why Lord Nelson matters in 2025 and Beyond

Lord Nelson has much insight to offer to this day, ranging from the role of navies, the future of war––from seabed to space––and leadership in defence…

Oct 21, 2025 • Dr James W.E. Smith

250 years of American military ambition at sea

Today marks 250 years of the United States of America looking to the seas as a place to be a military and naval power.

Oct 13, 2025 • Dr James W.E. Smith

The Future of Defence Organisation Resurfaces?

How defence is organised is fundamental in enabling or hindering national policy and strategy in peace and wartime.

Oct 7, 2025 • Dr James W.E. Smith