Dr. James WE Smith
@jameswesmith.space
Laughton-Corbett Research Fellow and British Academy Research Scholar
Strategic Studies Consultant, Researcher and Educator.
Offering the maritime strategic perspective from seabed to space.
Based in the Department of War Studies, King’s College London.
Strategic Studies Consultant, Researcher and Educator.
Offering the maritime strategic perspective from seabed to space.
Based in the Department of War Studies, King’s College London.
Pinned
Dr. James WE Smith
@jameswesmith.space
· Jul 23
Navies are Our Guide for Space Strategy - Center for Maritime Strategy
Space is an ocean—not metaphorically, but conceptually and operationally. The cosmic frontier has always been militarised but experience in it remains limited compared to other domains like the land a...
centerformaritimestrategy.org
You can now read my latest paper that explores the past, present and future of Space Strategy.
‘Navies are Our Guide for Space Strategy’.
centerformaritimestrategy.org/publications...
‘Navies are Our Guide for Space Strategy’.
centerformaritimestrategy.org/publications...
Join the Corbett 100 team for our 4th conference: "Naval Strategy in the 21st Century: from Seabed to Space."
Scholars from the UK, US, France, Australia, Japan, and the Netherlands discuss the future of Naval Strategy.
www.kcl.ac.uk/events/corbe...
Scholars from the UK, US, France, Australia, Japan, and the Netherlands discuss the future of Naval Strategy.
www.kcl.ac.uk/events/corbe...
Corbett 100: Naval Strategy in the 21st Century: From Seabed to Space | King's College London
This naval strategy seminar sees scholars from the UK, US, France, Australia, Japan and the Netherlands look to the future of Naval Strategy.
www.kcl.ac.uk
November 28, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Join the Corbett 100 team for our 4th conference: "Naval Strategy in the 21st Century: from Seabed to Space."
Scholars from the UK, US, France, Australia, Japan, and the Netherlands discuss the future of Naval Strategy.
www.kcl.ac.uk/events/corbe...
Scholars from the UK, US, France, Australia, Japan, and the Netherlands discuss the future of Naval Strategy.
www.kcl.ac.uk/events/corbe...
If you are member for US Naval Institute you can now read my deep dive on the future of defence organization, navies and national strategy, which are all interconnected.
www.usni.org/magazines/pr...
www.usni.org/magazines/pr...
Endgame For Seablindness: Defence Organisation And The Future Of The Royal Navy And The United States Navy
First published in the Naval Review, the author revisits the issue of seablindness comparing the history of defence unification in the UK and US and taking stock of the situation today.
www.usni.org
November 20, 2025 at 3:19 PM
If you are member for US Naval Institute you can now read my deep dive on the future of defence organization, navies and national strategy, which are all interconnected.
www.usni.org/magazines/pr...
www.usni.org/magazines/pr...
I recently provided a brief to US and UK politicians on the importance of maritime strategy for space. In this UK Parliament publication, it makes public some of my comments.
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
'No Longer A Distant Frontier': How Can Britain Compete In The 'Battlefield' Of Space?
As hostile states seek to expand their reach in space, how can the UK defend its infrastructure? Noah Vickers reports
www.politicshome.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:34 PM
I recently provided a brief to US and UK politicians on the importance of maritime strategy for space. In this UK Parliament publication, it makes public some of my comments.
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
My latest paper for the UK Naval Review and US Naval Institute is out:
'Endgame for Seablindness: defence organisation & the future of the Royal Navy & United States Navy'.
www.naval-review.com/news-views/e...
'Endgame for Seablindness: defence organisation & the future of the Royal Navy & United States Navy'.
www.naval-review.com/news-views/e...
Endgame for Seablindness: defence organisation and the future of the Royal Navy and the United States Navy - The Naval Review
It is an overlooked fundamental fact that the analysis of history proves, since the founding of professional navies, beginning with the Royal Navy in 1546,
www.naval-review.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:59 PM
My latest paper for the UK Naval Review and US Naval Institute is out:
'Endgame for Seablindness: defence organisation & the future of the Royal Navy & United States Navy'.
www.naval-review.com/news-views/e...
'Endgame for Seablindness: defence organisation & the future of the Royal Navy & United States Navy'.
www.naval-review.com/news-views/e...
Lord Nelson has much insight to offer to this day, ranging from the role of navies, the future of war––from seabed to space––and leadership in defence organisation.
Read my latest commentary: www.jameswesmith.space/p/why-lord-n...
Read my latest commentary: www.jameswesmith.space/p/why-lord-n...
Why Lord Nelson matters in 2025
Lord Nelson has much insight to offer to this day, ranging from the role of navies, the future of war––from seabed to space––and leadership in defence organisation.
www.jameswesmith.space
October 21, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Lord Nelson has much insight to offer to this day, ranging from the role of navies, the future of war––from seabed to space––and leadership in defence organisation.
Read my latest commentary: www.jameswesmith.space/p/why-lord-n...
Read my latest commentary: www.jameswesmith.space/p/why-lord-n...
You can now read my commentary piece marking the US Navy at 250 years of American ambition at sea.
www.jameswesmith.space/p/250-years-...
www.jameswesmith.space/p/250-years-...
250 years of American military ambition at sea
Today marks 250 years of the United States of America looking to the seas as a place to be a military and naval power.
www.jameswesmith.space
October 13, 2025 at 4:49 PM
You can now read my commentary piece marking the US Navy at 250 years of American ambition at sea.
www.jameswesmith.space/p/250-years-...
www.jameswesmith.space/p/250-years-...
You can now read my latest paper on current developments in the UK and the US on defence organisation.
'The Future of Defence Organisation Resurfaces?'
Link: www.kcl.ac.uk/the-future-o...
'The Future of Defence Organisation Resurfaces?'
Link: www.kcl.ac.uk/the-future-o...
The Future of Defence Organisation Resurfaces?
How defence is organised is fundamental in enabling or hindering national policy and strategy in peace and wartime. Equally, the organisation of defence impacts command and control of military…
www.kcl.ac.uk
October 7, 2025 at 1:40 PM
You can now read my latest paper on current developments in the UK and the US on defence organisation.
'The Future of Defence Organisation Resurfaces?'
Link: www.kcl.ac.uk/the-future-o...
'The Future of Defence Organisation Resurfaces?'
Link: www.kcl.ac.uk/the-future-o...
Renaming 'Department of Defense' to 'Department of War' is playing with old divisions, debates & issues that today's nation has little knowledge & understanding of. Beware, nightmares of a kind unparalleled in modern defence are contained within the past.
www.jameswesmith.space/p/a-note-abo...
www.jameswesmith.space/p/a-note-abo...
September 5, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Renaming 'Department of Defense' to 'Department of War' is playing with old divisions, debates & issues that today's nation has little knowledge & understanding of. Beware, nightmares of a kind unparalleled in modern defence are contained within the past.
www.jameswesmith.space/p/a-note-abo...
www.jameswesmith.space/p/a-note-abo...
You can now read my latest paper that explores the past, present and future of Space Strategy.
‘Navies are Our Guide for Space Strategy’.
centerformaritimestrategy.org/publications...
‘Navies are Our Guide for Space Strategy’.
centerformaritimestrategy.org/publications...
Navies are Our Guide for Space Strategy - Center for Maritime Strategy
Space is an ocean—not metaphorically, but conceptually and operationally. The cosmic frontier has always been militarised but experience in it remains limited compared to other domains like the land a...
centerformaritimestrategy.org
July 23, 2025 at 1:18 PM
You can now read my latest paper that explores the past, present and future of Space Strategy.
‘Navies are Our Guide for Space Strategy’.
centerformaritimestrategy.org/publications...
‘Navies are Our Guide for Space Strategy’.
centerformaritimestrategy.org/publications...
You can read my review of the UK 2025 Defence Review in the August edition of Warships IFR [18 July 2025]. I continue to advance the argument 'strategy is dead' and defence organisation isn't working.
July 16, 2025 at 2:06 PM
You can read my review of the UK 2025 Defence Review in the August edition of Warships IFR [18 July 2025]. I continue to advance the argument 'strategy is dead' and defence organisation isn't working.
You can now read my book review of 'The British Air Power Delusion 1906-1941' at the UK Naval Review website.
www.naval-review.com/book-reviews...
www.naval-review.com/book-reviews...
The British Air Power Delusion 1906-1941 - The Naval Review
328 pages
www.naval-review.com
June 27, 2025 at 3:08 PM
You can now read my book review of 'The British Air Power Delusion 1906-1941' at the UK Naval Review website.
www.naval-review.com/book-reviews...
www.naval-review.com/book-reviews...
You can now read on the UK Naval Review journal website, my book review of 'Screening the Fleet: The Royal Navy on Television 1973-2023.'
www.naval-review.com/book-reviews...
www.naval-review.com/book-reviews...
Screening the Fleet: The Royal Navy on Television 1973-2023 - The Naval Review
271 pages
www.naval-review.com
June 16, 2025 at 5:48 PM
You can now read on the UK Naval Review journal website, my book review of 'Screening the Fleet: The Royal Navy on Television 1973-2023.'
www.naval-review.com/book-reviews...
www.naval-review.com/book-reviews...
If you are a member of the UK Naval Review Journal you can read my 'Letter to the Editor', reflecting on the 2025 British defence review and the future of the Royal Navy and White Ensign.
Link: www.naval-review.com/news-views/l...
Link: www.naval-review.com/news-views/l...
Letter to the Editor: Strategic Defence Review - The Naval Review
Sir, - If it is unclear by now, the relationship between the nation, government and the sea, let alone the Navy, strategy and sea power, is fundamentally
www.naval-review.com
June 16, 2025 at 5:46 PM
If you are a member of the UK Naval Review Journal you can read my 'Letter to the Editor', reflecting on the 2025 British defence review and the future of the Royal Navy and White Ensign.
Link: www.naval-review.com/news-views/l...
Link: www.naval-review.com/news-views/l...
My latest book review for The Naval Review
'Cultural Influences on the Law of the Sea: History, Legacy and Future Prospects.'
–– an important & timely edited volume, examining how cultural factors influencing international maritime law.
www.naval-review.com/book-reviews...
'Cultural Influences on the Law of the Sea: History, Legacy and Future Prospects.'
–– an important & timely edited volume, examining how cultural factors influencing international maritime law.
www.naval-review.com/book-reviews...
Cultural Influences on the Law of the Sea: History, Legacy and Future Prospects - The Naval Review
352 pages
www.naval-review.com
May 21, 2025 at 10:14 AM
My latest book review for The Naval Review
'Cultural Influences on the Law of the Sea: History, Legacy and Future Prospects.'
–– an important & timely edited volume, examining how cultural factors influencing international maritime law.
www.naval-review.com/book-reviews...
'Cultural Influences on the Law of the Sea: History, Legacy and Future Prospects.'
–– an important & timely edited volume, examining how cultural factors influencing international maritime law.
www.naval-review.com/book-reviews...
May 16, 2025 at 1:37 PM
My latest paper 'A Future for British Seapower and the Royal Navy?' is out via @warstudieskcl.bsky.social
www.kcl.ac.uk/a-future-for...
www.kcl.ac.uk/a-future-for...
A Future for British Seapower and the Royal Navy?
Dr James WE Smith, as the Laughton-Research Corbett Research Fellow, examines the evolving role of navies, particularly the Royal Navy, in the modern era of unprecedented technological…
www.kcl.ac.uk
May 6, 2025 at 10:58 AM
My latest paper 'A Future for British Seapower and the Royal Navy?' is out via @warstudieskcl.bsky.social
www.kcl.ac.uk/a-future-for...
www.kcl.ac.uk/a-future-for...
Learn a little more about Research impact King’s College London, which, as a research fellow, I help enable as part of a community of thinkers and doers.
April 30, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Learn a little more about Research impact King’s College London, which, as a research fellow, I help enable as part of a community of thinkers and doers.
You can now read via the Centre of Maritime Strategy
'Learning from the Royal Navy: Lessons for the USN on Sea Power Politics'
I offer insight to American's about the state of the Royal Navy in 2025,& discuss the perpetual problem of 'seablindness'.
centerformaritimestrategy.org/publications...
'Learning from the Royal Navy: Lessons for the USN on Sea Power Politics'
I offer insight to American's about the state of the Royal Navy in 2025,& discuss the perpetual problem of 'seablindness'.
centerformaritimestrategy.org/publications...
Learning from the Royal Navy: Lessons for the USN on Sea Power Politics - Center for Maritime Strategy
The U.S. Navy and Britain’s Royal Navy are different organizations. Although Americans have repeatedly tried to emulate the Royal Navy—at first due to the threat it posed, then later for the wisdom sa...
centerformaritimestrategy.org
April 30, 2025 at 10:59 AM
You can now read via the Centre of Maritime Strategy
'Learning from the Royal Navy: Lessons for the USN on Sea Power Politics'
I offer insight to American's about the state of the Royal Navy in 2025,& discuss the perpetual problem of 'seablindness'.
centerformaritimestrategy.org/publications...
'Learning from the Royal Navy: Lessons for the USN on Sea Power Politics'
I offer insight to American's about the state of the Royal Navy in 2025,& discuss the perpetual problem of 'seablindness'.
centerformaritimestrategy.org/publications...
My article 'Restore the British Way of War & Keeping the Peace' is now in-print and in-digital with the May 2025 Warships IFR Magazine.
Please support publishing where you can.
Please support publishing where you can.
April 20, 2025 at 4:00 PM
My article 'Restore the British Way of War & Keeping the Peace' is now in-print and in-digital with the May 2025 Warships IFR Magazine.
Please support publishing where you can.
Please support publishing where you can.
In this special piece for @warstudieskcl.bsky.social, I discuss some of my recent work that was highlighted the King's Research Impact Report. I briefly navigate the relationship between education and strategy, and why public/policy blindness to sea and space exists.
www.kcl.ac.uk/education-an...
www.kcl.ac.uk/education-an...
Education and Understanding: The Strategy for Sea and Space
The 2024 King’s Impact Report features British Academy supported Dr James WE Smith’s research that focuses on advancing education and understanding of strategy and how it can help overcome issues…
www.kcl.ac.uk
April 2, 2025 at 11:51 AM
In this special piece for @warstudieskcl.bsky.social, I discuss some of my recent work that was highlighted the King's Research Impact Report. I briefly navigate the relationship between education and strategy, and why public/policy blindness to sea and space exists.
www.kcl.ac.uk/education-an...
www.kcl.ac.uk/education-an...
'Ensuring security, from seabed to outer space: national strategy.'
Honoured @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social identified my work as leading research for impact, influence and importance based on feedback from Governments, organisations, academia, & businesses globally.
issuu.com/kcl-/docs/ki...
Honoured @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social identified my work as leading research for impact, influence and importance based on feedback from Governments, organisations, academia, & businesses globally.
issuu.com/kcl-/docs/ki...
King's Annual Impact Report 2024
The King’s Annual Impact Report is a publication that showcases the impact that King’s and our communities have on society, as well as the impact that philanthropy has on King’s. It celebrates the inc...
issuu.com
February 13, 2025 at 3:36 PM
'Ensuring security, from seabed to outer space: national strategy.'
Honoured @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social identified my work as leading research for impact, influence and importance based on feedback from Governments, organisations, academia, & businesses globally.
issuu.com/kcl-/docs/ki...
Honoured @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social identified my work as leading research for impact, influence and importance based on feedback from Governments, organisations, academia, & businesses globally.
issuu.com/kcl-/docs/ki...
“Star Trek owes a debt to Horatio Hornblower.”
Well Well who’d have thought, navies in space, not land-based air forces. As I have been arguing and researching…
The Roddenberry Archive: William Shatner: In Conversation
youtu.be/9XgDzLd7Qlc?...
Well Well who’d have thought, navies in space, not land-based air forces. As I have been arguing and researching…
The Roddenberry Archive: William Shatner: In Conversation
youtu.be/9XgDzLd7Qlc?...
The Roddenberry Archive: William Shatner: In Conversation
YouTube video by OTOY
youtu.be
November 20, 2024 at 2:35 PM
“Star Trek owes a debt to Horatio Hornblower.”
Well Well who’d have thought, navies in space, not land-based air forces. As I have been arguing and researching…
The Roddenberry Archive: William Shatner: In Conversation
youtu.be/9XgDzLd7Qlc?...
Well Well who’d have thought, navies in space, not land-based air forces. As I have been arguing and researching…
The Roddenberry Archive: William Shatner: In Conversation
youtu.be/9XgDzLd7Qlc?...
Island nations have no choice but to confide in their navy. When Britain did, the Royal Navy delivered. For English sailors and Royal Marines in 1805, it was the satisfaction of doing something where honour and reward could be found by taking pride in the profession of arms.
October 21, 2024 at 8:45 PM
Island nations have no choice but to confide in their navy. When Britain did, the Royal Navy delivered. For English sailors and Royal Marines in 1805, it was the satisfaction of doing something where honour and reward could be found by taking pride in the profession of arms.
Reposted by Dr. James WE Smith
I'm regularly updating my substack with commentary and papers, www.jameswesmith.space.
Dr. James WE Smith | Dr James W.E. Smith | Substack
Strategic Studies Consultant and the Laughton-Corbett Research Fellow.
Offering and educating on the maritime strategic perspective from seabed to space. A home for applied history and often nickname...
www.jameswesmith.space
February 13, 2024 at 7:55 PM
I'm regularly updating my substack with commentary and papers, www.jameswesmith.space.
🔊I recently launched my own podcast.
🎙️In Episode 1 of the Green Pamphlet Podcast, Dr James WE Smith explores what is the ‘Art of Admiralty’ and challenges the future use of the term ‘seablindness’.
Link: www.jameswesmith.space/p/episode-1-...
🎙️In Episode 1 of the Green Pamphlet Podcast, Dr James WE Smith explores what is the ‘Art of Admiralty’ and challenges the future use of the term ‘seablindness’.
Link: www.jameswesmith.space/p/episode-1-...
Episode 1: 'The Art of Admiralty' Versus Seablindness
What is the Art of Admiralty?
www.jameswesmith.space
June 10, 2024 at 2:57 PM
🔊I recently launched my own podcast.
🎙️In Episode 1 of the Green Pamphlet Podcast, Dr James WE Smith explores what is the ‘Art of Admiralty’ and challenges the future use of the term ‘seablindness’.
Link: www.jameswesmith.space/p/episode-1-...
🎙️In Episode 1 of the Green Pamphlet Podcast, Dr James WE Smith explores what is the ‘Art of Admiralty’ and challenges the future use of the term ‘seablindness’.
Link: www.jameswesmith.space/p/episode-1-...