Broaching the ship: rethinking submarines as a signaling tool in naval diplomacy
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Authors
Stebbins, James P.
Subjects
Submarines
strategic signaling
strategic signals
signaling tool
naval diplomacy
United States
Soviet Union
Britain
Argentina
China
Russia
Japan
aircraft carrier
undersea warfare
asymmetrical advantage
tying hands
sinking costs
tacit revelation
strategic signaling
strategic signals
signaling tool
naval diplomacy
United States
Soviet Union
Britain
Argentina
China
Russia
Japan
aircraft carrier
undersea warfare
asymmetrical advantage
tying hands
sinking costs
tacit revelation
Advisors
Blanken, Leo
Date of Issue
2015-03
Date
March 2015
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
With the U.S. aircraft carrier fleet facing reduced availability, this thesis explores the possibility of using the submarine force in an expanded role in naval diplomacy. This research suggests that submarines have the capability to communicate a signal to an opponent state by temporarily revealing themselves tactically. This signal of hidden capacity can be tailored into a tacit bargaining strategy that can significantly influence rival navies. By examining the development of naval diplomacy over the last two hundred years, this thesis critically reexamines U.S.-aircraft-carrier-based diplomatic practices relative to the emerging use of rival submarine forces in asymmetrical signaling strategies. In examining Russian, British, and Chinese attempts to signal adversaries using submarines, this thesis provides context for the capacity submarines have in today’s naval diplomatic setting to force large changes in opponents’ strategic frameworks at low cost to the initiators. Because of these findings, this thesis recommends increased evaluation of such activities from a diplomatic and strategic perspective and increased awareness that such signals may be aimed at our military.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.