Carrier requirements include operations a navy wants an opponent to abandon. Visible strike and defensive capability can give that opponent a reason to reconsider an action before a conflict starts. Effective deterrence also depends on how the other side will interpret the display. A show of strength can be treated as a challenge, or provide an acceptable reason to back down without losing face. The de-escalation analogy therefore makes understanding the opponent part of force planning. A ship's known capability can influence the decision without being mentioned explicitly.
Notable Point · 45:25-48:55
How visible carrier capability can give an opponent a reason to back down
Deterrent value depends on how an opponent reads naval capability, including whether it provides an acceptable reason to abandon an action.