Europa Politics of ... series

<p>Since the crucial maritime battles that were fought during the Second World War in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the post-war period, which saw a naval standoff between a vast US navy and a growing Soviet navy, the focus of international maritime power has changed. </p><p>Major maritime powers have deployed warships, aircraft carriers and heavy land forces around the globe, for purposes of diplomacy, such as in maintaining far-flung alliances; for deterrent purposes, such as in the Taiwan Straits; for warfighting, such as in its crucial support roles in recent conflicts in Afghanistan and both Gulf Wars; and for complex emergencies, such as tsunami and earthquake rescue in Indonesia and Pakistan. Increasingly, maritime power is employed in counter-terrorism, such as in joint patrols, counter-terrorism exercises and in intercepting ships suspected of carrying weapons of mass destruction. </p><p><em>The Politics of Maritime Power</em> is an exploration of the contemporary facets of maritime power, particularly as an instrument of the state, in the post-Second World War era. This reference volume is divided into four parts, with chapters exploring various aspects of modern maritime power written by maritime experts; a series of maps which show major maritime zones; a glossary which contains over 240 entries on various aspects of maritime power; and a detailed bibliography.</p>