The Limitation of Naval General Purpose Forces in Historical Perspective,

This study reviews the naval arms limitations conferences and proposals since the Hague Conference of 1899 and points out the pitfalls which can result from being too willing to negotiate in search of accommodation or peace without due regard for both political and strategic factors. This study also looks at the newly emerging multipolar world and how the Nixon Doctrine has affected these new power centers and created a need for armaments rather than reductions in armaments. The perceived need for security by these emergent powers has led them to turn to the sea and acquire sizable navies throughout the world to protect their national interests and sea lines of communication. This naval build-up could very well trigger a naval arms race and lead to naval arms limitations negotiations, at least regionally. Lastly, this study discusses historic and geographic factors which have caused the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, to build large navies. The study further compares the probable aims of these two powers in possible future naval limitations negotations from the standpoint the needs of a land power versus a sea power.