noun
- a policy or practice of using military or economic power to achieve political goals; coercive diplomacy
Usage: often capitalized when referring to Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy; informal
Examples
- The president's big stick approach to foreign policy relied on military strength.
- Critics argued that the big stick strategy was too aggressive for modern diplomacy.
- Theodore Roosevelt famously said, 'Speak softly and carry a big stick.'
- The company used a big stick tactic to force smaller competitors out of the market.
- Some nations view economic sanctions as a big stick in international relations.