"This book discusses the challenges of irregular warfare in the 21st century, and the need for U.S. naval power to develop a new strategic paradigm"-- Provided by publisher.

The changing paradigm of war : the United States and irregular warfare theory -- The philosophy : A.T. Mahan and the foundations of U.S. naval thought -- War fighting theory and practice, 1914-1941 : the ascendency of the capital ship -- Lessons, retrenchment, and theory, 1945-1951 -- Theory and the challenge of irregular warfare, 1950-1980 -- Theoretical renaissance : the maritime strategy, 1980-1990 -- Strategy adrift, 1990-2001 -- The new challenge : 9/11 and the use of naval power in irregular warfare -- The legacy lives on -- Conclusions: The cycles of history.