A qualitative race seeks an edge or higher status, while a quantitative race builds total fighting strength. Qualitative competition carries less political heat because it does not signal war-winning capacity as directly as a rapid increase in fleet numbers. The naval powers could therefore pursue technical advantages while still treating a limitation conference as possible. Active rivalry did not make another war seem immediately unavoidable to most contemporary decision-makers.
Notable Point · 27:52-28:59
Qualitative versus quantitative naval races
Competition for technical or status advantages carried less political heat than a numerical buildup aimed directly at the ability to wage and win a war.