For roughly a decade and a half after the Cold War, American predominance simplified deterrence in a different way. A sternly worded note could be enough because other governments understood the military power behind it. The message drew credibility from the available firepower rather than its wording alone. That period has ended, leaving diplomatic warnings to operate in a less predictable balance of power.
Notable Point · 7:55-8:48
The firepower behind a stern warning
During the short unipolar period, a sternly worded note carried weight because other states knew the United States had overwhelming military power behind it.