Naval power can be exercised below the threshold of war. A state dependent on British coal might still receive the contracted fuel, yet repeated delays could slow its global movements by a week at every opportunity. The buyer would struggle to challenge the arrangement because delivery still occurred and the coal remained the best available. Supply reliability could therefore become diplomatic leverage, giving logistics dependence direct strategic consequences.
Notable Point · 20:57-21:37
Coal deliveries can become diplomatic leverage
A dominant supplier can honour a contract formally while delaying fuel enough to reduce another fleet's operational effectiveness.