A operação Starvation e a minagem aérea: uma análise à luz das estratégias de interdição e negação do uso do mar no poder marítimo

Abstract

The main objective of this dissertation is to analyze the extent to which Operation Starvation, conducted by the United States in 1945, represents a successful application of doctrinal concepts of maritime interdiction and sea denial strategy, in light of classical and contemporary theories of sea power. To this end, the methodological model adopted was the confrontation between theory and reality, contrasting the strategic foundations proposed by authors such as Corbett, Coutau-Bégarie, Vego, and Till with the execution and effects of the aerial mining campaign against Japan. The relevance of this study lies in the need to understand how a mining operation, typically associated with defensive actions, can be transformed into an offensive instrument of coercion and logistical collapse, using relatively limited means. The analysis demonstrated that Operation Starvation effectively achieved tactical, operational, and strategic objectives, disrupting Japan’s maritime supply lines, paralyzing naval traffic, and imposing severe constraints on the enemy's war effort. Significant adherence to the principles of sea denial was observed, particularly in the blockade of vital routes and the psychological impact on Japanese leadership. Moreover, it was found that the creative use of aerial mines combined economy of means with high strategic return, anticipating modern doctrines of indirect warfare. Finally, the dissertation concludes that Operation Starvation constitutes a historical paradigm of maritime interdiction by air, whose success reinforces the validity of well established theoretical foundations and broadens their applicability in the context of contemporary operations.