Tanker War: Operation Earnest Will and Seapower in Practice

The past four decades have seen a number of United States military interventions in the Middle East, but only one of them is retrospectively seen as a success: Operation Earnest Will, the escort of Kuwaiti tankers through the Persian Gulf in 1987 and 1988. As an officer who participated in this operation who then served in the region as a diplomat, Tom Duffy offers a unique perspective on Earnest Will. He argues that the fact that Earnest Will was a limited war and that it was fought with navies was key to its success. Forty years later, this operation remains relevant to security policy, especially with regard to a potential conflict with China.

This new and comprehensive account discusses every aspect of the operation, including the role of other navies in the Gulf at the time. Relevant strategic and political elements are covered, such as parallel activities in the United Nations Security Council and the role of United Nations Security Council Resolutions in ending the war.

Considering the short-, medium-, and long-term impacts of Operation Earnest Will, Duffy explains how this maritime, limited war option illustrates key concepts from classical strategic thinkers, and why it is a demonstrably effective way to advance political goals and an example to keep in mind when facing future challenges in the Middle East and East Asia.

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Release date

Audiobook: 15 January 2026