The Maritime State, with Ross Kennedy - on Midrats
a long waited opportunity presents itself
The origin story of the United States of America begins, in no small part, with maritime trade issues. Most of the declared and many of the undeclared, wars our nation has fought can be traced to the safety of our maritime commerce and unfettered access to the open seas.
Look at any map, and you’ll see we have oceans to the east and west of us, between our nation and its markets, allies, and competitors on the world stage.
Today we’re going to cast a wide net on that world view with returning guest, Ross Kennedy.
Ross is a logistics and trade expert who has worked at the intersection of global trade, supply chains, and national security for two decades in support of United States national interests and private-sector clients.
You can listen to the podcast at this link, or at the spotify widget below.
Summary
This conversation delves into the intricate relationship between maritime trade, national security, and the evolving policies under the new administration. Ross Kennedy, a logistics and trade expert, discusses the historical context of maritime commerce in the U.S., the challenges of reindustrialization, and the need for a coordinated approach among various stakeholders in the maritime sector. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of investing in domestic shipbuilding capabilities, addressing supply chain issues, and recognizing strategic choke points in global trade. Kennedy advocates for innovative funding mechanisms and a holistic strategy to revitalize the maritime industry and ensure national security.
Takeaways
The U.S. maritime industry is crucial for national security.
90% of global trade is conducted via maritime routes.
A coordinated approach among stakeholders is essential.
Reindustrialization requires long-term planning and investment.
Funding mechanisms must support small businesses in the maritime sector.
Disused shipyards can be revitalized for modern needs.
Strategic choke points are vital for U.S. interests.
Investing in domestic capabilities is a priority.
Healthy debate is necessary for effective policy-making.
The Arctic route poses significant geopolitical challenges.
Chapters
00:00: Introduction to Maritime Trade and National Security
02:46: The Impact of the New Administration on Maritime Policies
08:11: The Role of Stakeholders in Shipbuilding
13:58: Challenges in Maritime Infrastructure and Supply Chains
20:25: Innovative Approaches to Shipbuilding and Economic Zones
25:26: The Future of Maritime Commerce and Procurement Reform
27:16: Decoupling Funding from National Security
29:18: Investing in Domestic Capabilities
31:51: Reimagining Maritime Logistics
35:05: Reviving Disused Shipyards
38:30: Strategic Maritime Infrastructure
43:44: Choke Points and Global Trade
50:27: Closing Thoughts
"America's foreign policy is a product of its geography: weak neighbor to the north, weak neighbor to the south; fish to the east, fish to the west."
Attributed to Otto von Bismarck
We got our start as smugglers. The Latin American ports were not supposed to be trading with us ... and we weren't supposed to import sugar from the French West Indies ... and the thing that got the New Englander shipping elite upset was when the Brits started adjudicating smuggling cases in Halifax to stop jury nullification.