Which U.S. action in Latin America is reflected in the phrase "Big Stick Diplomacy"?

The phrase "Big Stick Diplomacy" is closely associated with President Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy approach in the early 20th century, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. This policy emphasized the idea of negotiating peacefully while simultaneously threatening military action to ensure that the United States secured its interests and maintained stability in the region.

Roosevelt famously said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far," which encapsulates the approach of using diplomacy to resolve disputes but also being prepared to use military force if necessary. This was evident in actions such as the construction of the Panama Canal, which involved significant military involvement and intervention in Panama's independence from Colombia, as well as other interventions in countries like the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.

Understanding the historical context, the emphasis on military readiness to protect U.S. interests and influence can be seen as a defining feature of this diplomatic strategy, thereby making the selection reflecting military force or the threat of force the accurate choice.