Examines of the concept of anti-access and area denial warfare. This type of strategy has been identified in American strategic planning as the most likely to be deployed by China and Iran in any future conflict with the US. It advances the understanding of sea power by identifying the naval roots of the development of the concept of anti-access while previous studies of the subject have emphasized the effects on the joint force and, particularly, air forces.

This is the first book to examine of the concept of anti-access and area denial warfare. This type of strategy which is also referred to by acronym “A2/AD,” has been identified in American strategic planning as the most likely strategies to be deployed by the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Iran in any future conflict with the United States. It advances the understanding of sea power by identifying the naval roots of the development of the concept of anti-access while previous studies of the subject have emphasised the effects on the joint force and, particularly, air forces. While the book describes the subject from a joint perspective, it focuses on the dominant maritime nature of such conflicts.

Reviews

Tangredi is to be commended for his straight-talking, no-nonsense prose and his unapologetically provocative style. He delivers a real body blow to advocates of 'transformation' who take things too far, and he correctly exclaims, 'What has beaten counter anti-access efforts is not weapons or technological advancements or innovative tactics. Rather, it has been a wavering of the out-of-area state's commitment to the operation owing to a concern for extrinsic events.' Crystallizing many choices that will have to be made in coming years, Anti-Access Warfare represents a valuable contribution to the A2/AD literature."--Air & Space Power Journal

"This book provides a thorough theoretical treatment of the subject but if (like me) you prefer a more practical, less abstract approach, it also offers a range of fascinating case studies. Its readable style and logical layout make it an accessible commentary on a highly-topical subject."--Australian Defence Force Journal

"For strategic landpower advocates concerned over the AirSea Battle debate, this book is an essential and foundational analysis of the anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) military problem. If strategic landpower thinkers are frustrated by the all-too-narrow terms of conversation in AirSea Battle, this book provides a more far-ranging and inclusive mental framework for A2/AD warfare problem-solving."--Military Review

About the Author

Sam J. Tangredi is a defense strategist whose studies of the future warfare prompted Defense officials to label him “the Navy’s futurist.” His 30 year naval career included command at sea, service in key strategic planning positions in the Pentagon, earning a Ph.D. in International Relations, and research fellowships at two think-tanks. His publications have won awards including the U.S. Naval Institute’s Arleigh Burke Prize and the U.S. Navy League’s Alfred Thayer Mahan Award. He is currently the Director of San Diego Operations for the planning-consulting firm Strategic Insight and lives in Coronado, CA.