"Big Stick Diplomacy" is a foreign policy approach associated with Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. It emphasizes the use of military power as a means of achieving diplomatic goals, encapsulated in the phrase "speak softly and carry a big stick." This strategy aimed to assert U.S. influence, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, while maintaining a peaceful facade. Under this policy, the U.S. would negotiate and engage in diplomacy but was prepared to use military force if necessary. Notable examples include the construction of the Panama Canal and interventions in Cuba and Dominican Republic, showcasing America's willingness to protect its interests through strength.