Includes bibliographical references (pages 197-256) and index.

Introduction: Debates and prospects for naval history -- Sea power and international relations: History in the service of policy -- Navies, politics and government, 1500-1789 -- Navies and societies: The widening research agenda -- Conclusion: The future of naval history?

"Navies play an important role in the modern world, and the globalisation of economies, cultures and societies has placed a premium on maritime communications. Modern Naval History demonstrates the importance of naval history today, showing its relevance to a number of disciplines and its role in understanding how navies relate to their host societies. Richard Harding explains why naval history is still important, despite slipping from the attention of policy makers and the public since 1945, and how it can illuminate answers to questions relating to economic, diplomatic, political, social and cultural history. The book explores how naval history has informed these fields and how it can produce a richer and more informed historical understanding of navies and sea power."--Back cover.

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