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Blockade: Why this 19th Century Nelsonian Tool Remains Operationally Relevant Today

Journal article published in 2007 by Mark D. Hamilton
This paper was not found in any repository; the policy of its publisher is unknown or unclear.
This paper was not found in any repository; the policy of its publisher is unknown or unclear.

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Preprint: policy unknown
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Postprint: policy unknown
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Published version: policy unknown

Abstract

The age-old concept of naval blockade remains a viable option for Joint Force Commanders in future contingencies, provided its limitations and strengths are clearly understood. Under the right circumstances, blockade can be a determining factor across the range of military operations, from coercion to major war. This paper tests blockade's potential in the 21st century against the backdrop of three modern case studies -- the U.S. blockades of North and South Vietnam, the coalition blockade of Iraq, and the Israeli blockade of Lebanon/Hezbollah. Blockade is analyzed in the context of the operational factors of time, space, and force, as well as its indirect effects on an enemy. The significant role technology and politics can have are also noted. Finally, this paper addresses the paucity of doctrine and written guidance to properly employ blockade, and makes recommendations to improve the visibility of this operational tool in the joint mindset.