Naval diplomacy works as a scalable form of national presence. Warships can move and fleet auxiliaries can sustain them off a foreign coast, allowing a state to vary its visible commitment without relying on a host government. The same force can reassure an ally or warn an opponent as the number and type of ships change. A modest local squadron can draw diplomatic weight from the larger fleet behind it while leaving the other side room to negotiate.
Chapter · 6:49-9:03
Naval forces as scalable diplomatic presence
Naval forces can reassure allies or pressure opponents because a supported fleet can adjust its presence without requiring access ashore.