Continuing Utility of Naval Blockades in the Twenty-First Century

Throughout history seagoing nations have nurtured their navies to protect their ocean lifelines and influence regional and world events. Blockades are one way in which a naval power has historically influenced these events. In time of war and peace, this tool of naval coercion is still an option exercised by nations to influence foreign policy crises. This study investigated the continuing utility of the naval blockade in the attainment of US foreign policy goals in the twenty-first century. It used a historical study of seven blockades to establish a common set of factors that influenced the effectiveness of sanctions enforced by a naval blockade. These blockades took place between 1861 and 1997 under varying conditions and scopes. The study identified five primary factors and eleven secondary factors that are common in the effectiveness of all the blockades. Analysis of these common factors through application in two hypothetical world crises where a blockade could be employed revealed that the naval blockade is still a viable option to aid in attaining foreign policy objectives. The naval blockade should be used sparingly and when used provided the full support of the diplomatic and economic tools of foreign policy, lest they lose their credibility.