The book "The Return of Marco Polo's World" by Robert D. Kaplan discusses the differences in cooperation between national navies and armies. Kaplan argues that navies tend to work better together than armies do, which can be attributed to the unique bonds formed among sailors. These bonds emerge from their collective experiences of confronting the challenges and dangers posed by the sea and its unpredictable nature.

This sense of camaraderie among naval personnel fosters a spirit of collaboration that is often absent in ground forces. Kaplan's analysis highlights how the shared experiences of sailors create a deeper understanding and mutual respect, facilitating effective cooperation across nations in naval operations, much like the enduring connections shaped by the history of seafaring and maritime challenges.