We are pleased to introduce a 6-part film series focusing on Great Power Competition. Each episode will be between 15 and 30 minutes in length and highlight important work being done across the Yard to answer the question "What is the Naval Academy doing to best prepare our graduates for the challenges ahead?" Episodes will explore technology, geopolitics, economics and warfighting.
At the United States Naval Academy, the next generation of military leaders is preparing for a world increasingly shaped by great power competition. Episode #1 introduces the historical roots of U.S.-China relations, tracing China's rise from its "century of humiliation" to its modern quest for global influence. In the balance of the series, experts in military strategy, economics, technology, and geopolitics analyze the challenges posed by China's growing military and economic power, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness.
The evolving relationship between the United States and China is increasingly characterized by conflict, whether framed as a competition, rivalry, cold war, non-kinetic war, or race. Since the 1991 Gulf War, when no state wanted to challenge the U.S. conventionally, China's strategy has shifted to a concept known as unrestricted warfare—employing sub-lethal, constant, harmful methods to weaken the U.S. while avoiding direct military confrontation. This approach is evident in China's incremental dominance in the South China Sea, its economic influence through the Belt and Road Initiative, its alleged involvement in cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure, and its role in the fentanyl crisis. The digital landscape further complicates the dynamic, as platforms like TikTok raise concerns about ideological influence. While the oceans once served as natural barriers, the digital age has made the U.S. vulnerable to foreign interference. The question remains whether the U.S. is adequately preparing for this unconventional, complex, and evolving form of warfare or if outdated frameworks are leaving critical vulnerabilities exposed. The entire series will appear at this link. As episodes are posted, they will be added to the playlist. As future officers stand on the frontlines of this evolving conflict, the question remains: Is the U.S. ready for the challenges ahead?
