Admiral Fisher might have sent the fleet toward Germany before the First World War, but such a move could have become a grave insult rather than a deterrent. Fisher's public battles of words nevertheless gave civilian politicians room to speak more softly because he kept the Royal Navy's big stick conspicuous. Theodore Roosevelt's maxim becomes a problem of presentation: hidden strength may not deter, while strength thrust forward can look aggressive. The ideal signal makes the weapon unmistakably visible while leaving diplomatic hands free. Conventional deterrence must show enough capability to influence an opponent without making the display itself the trigger for war.
Notable Point · 14:55-16:55
Fisher made the naval stick visible
Fisher's public belligerence let civilian leaders speak softly while keeping British naval power visible, though visibility could itself provoke.