I’m a firm believer in peace through strength as well. Oddly enough it brings me to support the opposite view that you take.
Strength is the ability to exert force, not the haphazard application of it.(IMHO)
I would add that it also requires the will and willingness to use it. Otherwise you're a paper tiger.
The tough part as you allude is how and when to apply it. I disagree with some of our applications; however, Paul's policy would err way to far in the other direction. IMHO also of course.