In Stratfor's weekly Naval Update Map, we track the approximate locations of U.S. fleet aircraft carriers and amphibious war ships. The map helps our analysts -- and customers -- discern Washington's strategy and even predict looming conflicts.

Stratfor was founded in 1996 as a geopolitical intelligence company. Intelligence is obviously a very sexy term, conjuring visions of James Bond and elegant parties. Undoubtedly there is a part of intelligence that has the pleasure of experiencing this. I am waiting for my invitation.