British Academy to support research on Maritime Strategy

From 'Seabed to Space'...my research into strategic studies gets a boost!

I'm pleased to confirm that the British Academy has decided to support my research. The remit contained within the formal letter of offer states:

"To advance research into maritime strategy 'from the seabed to space' (including naval) and strategic studies for a national strategy."

This will be facilitated through the Laughton-Corbett Research Fellowship in the School of Security Studies, Department of War Studies, King's College London. It is British and international by nature.

The support is directed explicitly at the research process and the dissemination of findings over a set period. The resources will be specifically and only directed towards efforts and research projects under the mission statement, as mentioned earlier and as outlined by the British Academy. One specific project can move forward, as well as resources directed towards ongoing lines of effort and research that are interconnected or require completion, such as publications which sit under a maritime philosophy.  

This support is notable as it is often the case that research in areas such as War Studies is usually (although rare) provided by Higher Education, through Private Military Education initiatives, the military, and the few remaining dedicated efforts to support it. The fact that, at this time, a prestigious and respected body external to the 'norm' to support a topic that usually does not get this high-level attention may reflect the times we live in. The remit to advance, reflect, analyse, and investigate maritime strategy, seapower and naval power both in a narrow and broader sense 'seabed to space' and push forward understanding of strategic thought (& theory) in national strategy and policy represents an opportunity and compliments the Fellow title that will help facilitate it. My work will continue to use the applied history methodology so aptly demonstrated by historian and philosopher of maritime strategy Sir Julian Corbett.

I will continue to share progress on the research project and various ongoing lines of efforts here and places like LinkedIn and X. I appreciate the support that Professor Andrew Lambert and academic colleagues, many who are alumni of King’s, including service personnel past and present, from Britain, the United States, Australia and Japan who provided support in my application to the Academy. I am honoured that confidence and trust has been placed in me on the basis of my evidence based research to date to be granted the opportunity to keep research moving forward and to do so to make it useful for practitioners and decision-makers today and tomorrow while also adding to knowledge of the past.

The British Academy for the promotion of historical, philosophical, and philological Studies is the United Kingdom's national academy for the humanities and the social sciences. It was established in 1902 and received its Royal Charter in the same year. They support research that is deemed of the highest importance and influence to the world today and tomorrow in service to society and a better world. The Academy is predominately funded by His Majesty's Government.

From the Academy's website: "The British Academy is the UK's national academy for the humanities and social sciences. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future... today's complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, cultures, and societies. We invest in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas to engage the public with fresh thinking and debates, and bring together scholars, government, business and civil society to influence policy for the benefit of everyone..."

In the interests of research ethics and transparency, neither the British Academy, the British Government, nor any external party have any input or say over the research or its findings.