Fleet strength acts as insurance, and unilateral restraint does not guarantee peace. Naval treaties and economy measures can reduce costs, but a bare-minimum force also reduces the power behind diplomatic warnings. Cooperative powers may disarm while less cooperative ones retain the freedom to impose their preferences. The sternly worded note works only when its recipient believes military force can follow. In that setting, a warship gives visible evidence that a diplomatic position can be enforced.
Notable Point · 22:19-24:58
Disarmament, naval insurance, and credible warnings
A diplomatic warning matters only when the recipient believes sufficient military power stands behind it.