48: Iran War Special - Not-so-Grand Strategy Shocker

Host Iain Ballantyne talks to guests Gary Blackburn and James Bosbotinis about the Iran War, including the Strait of Hormuz struggle, how the conflict could shatter NATO plus what it has revealed about the state of the Royal Navy.

Topics also touched on in their lively chat include the American decision to try and coerce the Tehran regime with the use of airpower alone, conceptual confusion at the heart of the campaign’s strategy and the problem of tactical prowess (as demonstrated in the Venezuelan raid) not transferring into realising strategic ends in the Iran War (so far).

Gary and James provide their perspective on other matters, such as: the pivotal nature of the Strait of Hormuz battle in shaking up the global order; the falling out between the USA and key allies over a refusal to commit naval forces to opening up the Strait; and its impact on the future of NATO. Is the Alliance dead or might it survive?

The United Kingdom’s Defence Investment Plan (DIP) paralysis is considered, along with the necessity for the Royal Navy to remain at the heart of defence for island nation, imports-dependent Britain. However, also highlighted is seablindness and a failure at the highest levels of government to understand the how to wield a navy to perform a vital role in reassuring allies and safeguarding national interests.

*For more on navies and their activities worldwide, get the magazine! Web site http://bit.ly/wifrmag Also, follow it on X @WarshipsIFR Facebook @WarshipsIFR and Warships IFR TV on YouTube @warshipsifrtv3668 

*The Iran War is a major element in the May edition of Warships IFR, which is published in the UK on 17.4.26 and rolling out globally. Available in shops and supermarkets hard copy and also as a digital edition available here: https://surl.li/ljyxbt

•Dr Gary Blackburn is an honorary fellow of the Centre for Security Studies at the University of Hull. He has taught Security Studies and Military History at the Universities of Leeds and Hull, respectively - and has written for Defence Studies and The Critic, and for the latter about aspects of the UK’s 2021 Integrated Review of Defence and Security. Follow him on X at @gjb70

•Dr James Bosbotinis is a freelance specialist in defence and international affairs and the Book Reviews Editor of ‘The Naval Review’. He has written widely on issues including: development of maritime strategy, long-range strike technologies (including hypersonic weapons) and their impact on strategy; Russian naval and wider military modernisation; China’s evolving strategy and naval force development. Dr Bosbotinis contributes to various international media outlets. He is also an Associate Member of the Corbett Centre for Maritime Policy Studies, King’s College London. For more information about Dr Bosbotinis visit
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbosbotinis
He is on X @JamesBosbotinis

•Iain Ballantyne is the founding and current Editor of ‘Warships IFR’ magazine (first published in 1998) along with its ‘Guide to the Royal Navy’ (since 2003) and ‘Guide to the US Navy’ (since 2018). Iain is also author of the books ‘Hunter Killers’ (Orion) and ‘The Deadly Trade’ (Weidenfeld & Nicolson), both about submarine warfare, plus ‘Arnhem: Ten Days in The Cauldron’ and ‘Bismarck: 24 Hours to Doom’ (both published by Canelo). In 2017 Iain was awarded a Fellowship by the British Maritime Foundation, which promotes awareness of the United Kingdom’s dependence on the sea and seafarers. Visit his web site Bismarckbattle.com and follow him on X @IBallantyn