The deterrence argument questions whether impressive forces on paper alone prevent a challenge. Its alternative example is a small ship that appears regularly in a region. That ship signals the availability of a larger fleet, with occasional visits by more powerful units reinforcing the message. Recurring presence and available backing are the mechanisms offered for making the deterrent credible.
Notable Point · 1:03:08-1:04:00
Regular naval presence in the deterrence argument
Regular visits by small ships backed by a larger fleet illustrate the proposed link between naval presence and credible deterrence.