The argument for smart power begins with the limits of economic pressure when a larger economy can offset the cost to the target. China provides the hypothetical example: it could answer a British sanction with a more generous economic offer. The proposed combination joins diplomacy to enough military strength to make the diplomatic message credible. A visible warship lets another government see that the force exists without requiring an explicit threat in every exchange. This case for an expeditionary fleet includes the influence it can exert before fighting begins.
Notable Point · 2:19:21-2:21:58
Visible naval force and the limits of economic pressure
A hypothetical rival's ability to offset sanctions leads to an argument for combining diplomacy with visible naval capability.