The voyage asserted America's place among the leading naval powers below Britain. Sixteen battleships told France, Germany, and Japan that the United States could concentrate serious force and intended to remain relevant. In this distinction, a regional power can affect its own region, a world power can reach distant theaters when equipment is available, and a global power can deploy reliably almost anywhere. The reliability of overseas deployments depends on logistical support as well as fighting strength. In the 2021 comparison, nuclear weapons and large armed forces do not by themselves establish that continuous worldwide reach.
Chapter · 23:59-32:13
How fleet presence distinguishes regional, world, and global powers
The Great White Fleet demonstrated the ability to deploy far from home, while the distinction between world and global power turns on how reliably a navy can sustain that reach.