The book is structured into three sections, beginning with the fundamental principles of naval power in early maritime civilizations, progressing through the age of exploration with European powers, and culminating in modern naval warfare.
Throughout, ""Naval Dominance"" integrates economic, political, and technological factors to provide a holistic view, rather than focusing solely on military aspects. This approach allows for a nuanced understanding of how maritime strength interacts with various facets of society and international relations.