America’s Elegant Decline

By: Robert D. Kaplan

Summary: Hulls in the water could soon displace boots on the ground as the most important military catchphrase of our time. But our Navy is stretched thin. How we manage dwindling naval resources will go a long way toward determining our future standing in the world.

1. Why does the author argue that previous wars have been unable to prepare America for future wars? What examples does he use to prove this?

2. What does the following highlight about the author’s thesis? “The current catchphrase is boots on the ground; in the future it could be hulls in the water.”

3. What are some significant advantages of a Navy?

THE END OF THE MAHANIAN CENTURY?

4. What is the strategic difference between Mahan and Corbett?

5. Why had the Mahanian Century died down in the U.S.? Who are the Mahanians now?

THE 1,000-SHIP NAVY

6. In the post 9/11 world what are some benefits of a potential grand maritime coalition such that of the 1000-ship Navy?

7. On the other hand, can the 1000-ship Navy be the reason for America’s elegant decline, how?

THE WEARY TITAN

8. How will technological advancements ironically produce a negative effect on the U.S. Navy?