Super Highway: Sea Power in the 21st Century

by Chris Parry

In Super Highway, maritime strategist and former Rear Admiral Chris Parry argues that in the second decade of the 21st century, the sea is set to reclaim its status as the world's pre-eminent strategic medium. Almost everything that travels virtually between continents and states on the Internet moves, in reality, as in previous eras of globalization, across, under or over the sea. Parry makes the case that the next decade will witness a 'scramble' for the sea, involving competition for oceanic resources and the attempted political and economic colonization of large tracts of what have, until now, been considered international waters and shipping routes. Can the UK, with its seafaring history, reclaim the waves? With space travel no longer on the agenda, the sea (the physical equivalent of the world-wide-web) is effectively the world's final undiscovered frontier and the potential arena for a classic 'Great Game' between the major powers and developing states.

Genres: Nonfiction

504 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2013

Reviews

[Clay Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read to understanding the importance of civil and military sea power. Learned about the author on the History Undone Youtube channel.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminder that naval and international law is a collection of old laws piled on top of each other with competing organizations with limited jurisdiction trying to get everyone to play nicely together... good if each country acts in good faith. Not good when one state or non-state actor tries to game the system. Parry argues that the sea and oceans have provided resources and access for the past 5 centuries and the next century will continue with various countries and states competing for its resources.

Why I started this book: With an awesome cover and a recent publication date, I was eager to cross it off my professional reading list.

Why I finished it: Will power, this book started great and then fizzled with Parry proving that his statement that no one should predict the future, with his own crazy predictions... or maybe some of the more crazy are being developed in secret for military applications. Time will tell.

[Kes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good points: very strong start about the issues relating to the sea: the law of the sea, the exercise of sea power, the commercial aspects of trade. Loved the distinction between hard and soft power.

Great as a primer into thinking about issues relating to the sea. There was more focus on military/diplomatic aspects but it also covered climate change, pollution.

Eleven years after being published, it’s still relevant. certain parts are rather poignant - like the assertion of USA’s committed & continued military dominance. Doubtful given Trump.

I didn’t really agree with certain points - like the author’s idea that to get more people involved in / understanding of sea power, being more transparent and supporting reasoned debate will be helpful. It’s not a sexy topic to the general public.

4/5 stars

[Humphrey Hawksley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Parry has given us a clear-eyed analysis of how rival navies will operate and determine the balance of power for the next hundred years. He has a skill in making complex issues accessible and lay out the stakes with clarity.

[David P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very accessible volume which tries to highlight the issues likely to affect who may control the oceans in the next century and how they might do it.

Although i'm a keen reader of military history this is slightly different to the sort of thing I'd normally read, but after enjoying Parry's excellent Falklands memoir "Down South" I thought I would give it a go, and i'm very glad I did.