59.Thespurtodeploysuchcapabilities, andtocontinue toimprove them,has beenthepolitical confrontation between certain majorPowersandtheirrespective allies, whichhasbeenineVidence since1945.Inordertomaintain the effectiveness ofthosestrategic nuclear forces andthelevelsofgeneral-purpose navalcapability thateachsidehasconsidered tobenecessary, navalforcesof significant strength -andcost-havebeendeveloped. 60.Themotivations fordeveloping navalcapabilities arethusseveral. Theyvary fromlocalself-defence tothepotential forstrategic nuclear uselfrom preparation ofthecapacity foroverseas intervention toestablishment ofseaboard protection andsecuritYI fromtraditional protection ofcommerce andnational interests tonewlyestablished areasofexclusive economic jurisdiction. In addition tothesemajorreasons thereareotheraspects, suchasnational prestige, theprotection ofterritorial integrity, affirmation ofanoverseas presence, support forfriendly oralliedStates, defence against subversion bysea,coercion andintimidation ofadversaries orefforts tocounterbalance adversaries' ability totakeactioninacertain area.Navalforcesalsocontinue tobeusedinthe context oftheglobalrivalry between thetwoleading nuclear-weapon States and theirallies. Together, andaccording todiffering national economic strengths and assessments ofpriorities, thesefactors leadsomeStatestoexpendconsiderable resources onthedevelopment ofnavalforcesandweapons. 61.Thepossession andcontinued development ofmaritime forcesinalltheirforms constitute apartoftheglobal armsrace,theoverall costofwhichwasestimated toamounttoover$800billion in1984.111Thoughnational security andtheneeds ofself-defence arerecognized tobeofprimeimportance toStates, suchasum represents amassive diversion ofvaluable reSources awayfromhelping tomeetthe economic andsocial needsofatrOUbled world. Furthermore, byusingformilitary purposes largeamounts ofhumaneffort, material andfinancial resources which couldbeusedmoreproductively elsewhere, expenditures onarmsandarmedforces Oftenrepresent asignificant burden ontheeconomic healthofacountry. I...A/40/535 English Page22 B.Seapowerinthegeneral political, 'economic andsecurity context 62.Itisgenerally agreed bywriters onmaritime strategy thatseapower encompasses manyinterlocking elements. Mshanidentified sixfactors asbeing necessary foraStatetodevelop anavalcapability: geographical position (astride sealanes); physical properties (natural harbours etc.);extentof territory (largeenoughtosupport anavybutnotsolargeastoencourage a continental strategy); numberofpopulation; national character; andcharacter of Government (willing tosupport amaritime policy). Withsuchfactors, aState wouldhavetheconstituents forthedevelopment ofmerchant shipping anda beneficial overseas trade,theacquisition ofbasesandfortheconstruction ofa navytoprotect thesealinesofcommunication. Amoremodern commentator, S.G. Gorshkov, Admiral oftheFleetoftheSoviet UnionandCommander-in-Chief ofthe Soviet Navy,hasdescribed aState's seapoweraspossibilities fortheStateto explore theoceanandharnessitswealth, thestatusofthemerchant andfishing fleets andtheirability tomeettheneedsoftheStateandalsothepresence ofa navymatching theinterests ofthatState. 131Inthissense,navalforcesperse arepartofawider, morecomprehensive sea-Power whichcanhavesignificant political, economic andsecurity implications. Primarily, however, itremains true thatanavalforceisadeclaration byanationthatithasspecific maritime interests andhasthepolitical willtoprotect them. 63.Incommon withotherinstruments ofmilitary force,navies havetobe designed, built,equipped andtrained forwaryetspendmostoftheirtimeina peacetime environment. Theirpurposes andtasksinpeaceoftendiffer fromthose inwar.WhileaStatewillendeavour togiveprimacy toitsnavy'spreparedness andeffectiveness inwar,inpractice various compromises oftenhavetobemadeto accommodate theconflicting requirements ofpeacetime responsibilities. The general contexts ofnavalforces needtherefore tobeconsidered inthese twodifferent setsofconditions although thereareinevitably functions whichare applicable toboth. 64.Afundamental distinction exists between waronlandandwaratsea.
**Analysis**
The text discusses the development of naval forces and their significance in the global arms race, as well as their economic and security implications. It highlights the importance of seapower in the context of international relations and the need for states to develop their naval capabilities to protect their interests. The text also touches on the economic burden of military spending and the need for a balanced approach to national security.

**Category**
Transport and communication, International trade