Big stick diplomacy is a term that is used to describe the foreign policy of President Theodore Roosevelt. There are five elements that were basic to this. First, Roosevelt believed it was important to possess serious military capability. Second, he believed that it was important to act according to justice. Third, Roosevelt believed he should never bluff. Fourth, the country should only strike if it was prepared to strike hard. Finally, the country should be ready to allow the adversary to save face in defeat.