**“**A range of naval experts . . . build[s] a diverse and deeply-thought out picture of where maritime warfare is now and where it is likely to go.”—Army Rumour Service

What is the purpose of navies in the modern world, and what types of warship does this require? This book tackles these questions by looking at naval developments, both technological and operational, in the quarter century since the end of the Cold War. It provides the overall political and economic context, assesses significant naval operations from the first Gulf War to Russia’s annexation of Crimea, reviews changes in the objectives and composition of the principal fleets, describes major design developments amongst the main warship types, and examines wider technological and operational developments, including naval aviation, shipbuilding and manning.

“A high quality publication with a great many superb photographs. For those wishing to keep fully informed on world naval affairs, it is excellent value and strongly recommended.”—Scuttlebutt

“This new book follows the successful approach and format of the very popular naval annual Seaforth’s World Naval Review. Under the same editor, a new team of specialists have been assembled to write authoritative articles in their particular fields of expertise. The absorbing text is fully supported by many outstanding images—Most Recommended.”—Firetrench

“Provides a most useful contextual analysis of the post-Cold War period, explaining how technological developments and a range of world events have variously shaped the fleets of today.”—Warship