bigstick
/ˈbɪɡ ˌstɪk/
noun
- A policy of using military or political power to achieve goals, especially in international relations (from the phrase 'speak softly and carry a big stick').
- Some leaders prefer a bigstick approach, threatening force to get what they want.
- The country's foreign policy shifted from cooperation to a bigstick strategy.
- The president's bigstick diplomacy involved both negotiation and a strong navy.