Seapower, Geography and Empire

: The Case of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 1842-1872

Abstract

‘Seapower, Geography, and Empire: The Case of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 1842-1872’ critically examines the strategic role constructed for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and their influence on the performance of British maritime dominance in the Bay of Bengal from 1842 to 1872, employing Actor-Network Theory (ANT) as a framework. The research delves into the complex interactions between geography, knowledge production, and imperial expansion, illustrating the socio-cultural dimensions of seapower within imperial maritime networks. By evaluating the ‘everyday’ activities of the Royal Navy and Indian Navy, alongside traditional naval operations, this study challenges the conventional deterministic views of geography and the hard power-centric definitions within the study of seapower. This thesis demonstrates the need for a broader, more nuanced understanding of seapower that transcends mere military engagements and encompasses the multifaceted nature of British imperial control.

Date of Award	20 Dec 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Portsmouth
Supervisor	Matthew Heaslip (Supervisor), Cathryn Pearce (Supervisor) & james ryan (Supervisor)