Nuclear deterrence presents opponents with a known, fixed danger; conventional naval presence can be adjusted in size and purpose. A modest ship may observe, signal interest, and open dialogue at a low level of confrontation. If the dispute worsens, a senior officer can arrive for further talks before the government commits a task group or carrier force. Each step makes possible consequences visible while giving both sides room to de-escalate. The result is a credible ladder from everyday presence to major combat power.
Chapter · 27:54-29:54
Conventional deterrence and a scalable response
A small deployed warship can deter and communicate first, with senior officers and larger forces available only if an opponent chooses to escalate.