The Royal Navy’s global reach

As a compact maritime democracy, the United Kingdom has never been a large country wielding strong armies. British power is derived from the disproportionate effect the Royal Navy can bring to bear. It is also a consequence of maritime mobility and versatility. This map visualises the Royal Navy’s global reach.

Where this map is used:

James Rogers is Co-president and Director of Research at the Council on Geostrategy, where he specialises in geopolitics and British strategic policy. He is also Editor of Britain’s World, the Council on Geostrategy’s online magazine. Previously, he held positions at the Henry Jackson Society, the Baltic Defence College, RAND Europe, and the European Union Institute for Security Studies.

His commentary has been carried in the global media and he has been invited to give oral evidence at the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and International Development committees in the Houses of Parliament. His research has been cited and endorsed by the serving British prime minister, and he has worked on research projects for the British and French ministries of defence. He holds an MPhil in Contemporary European Studies from the University of Cambridge and an award-winning BSc Econ (Hons) in International Politics and Strategic Studies from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.