In a time when concerns about national security are topped only by debates about election ads, there’s a new hot topic in conservative circles: America’s military capabilities—or perceived lack thereof. The buzz is all about our naval prowess apparently being outpaced by other global players. Yes, while the world focuses on celebrity feuds and stock market tumbles, some people are busy counting ships. With the announcement from a prominent leader talking about increased shipbuilding and hypersonic updates, the U.S. Navy isn’t just sailing waters anymore; it’s battling on metaphorical fronts.

Let’s talk numbers, a favorite go-to for anyone trying to make a compelling argument. The concerned statements coming out lately suggest we’re trailing behind when it comes to submarine counts. That’s right, our allies and adversaries supposedly have more high-tech submarines than we do. Since when did submarine counting become the newest Olympic sport, and more importantly, why wasn’t anyone inviting Americans to this particular game until now? The talk of “10 more ships” does sound eerily similar to kids fighting over who has the better toy collection. But it’s not just about keeping up—or swimming faster than—the Joneses; there’s a national prestige element at play here.

The Levi Lester Shipyard made a rare cameo in political discussions recently, thrust into the spotlight for its strategic role. Here’s a lesson in efficient processes and preferential placements, something the bureaucrats at the Pentagon probably tossed around in meetings. If you ever needed proof of government’s inherent fondness for process over product, this might be your case study. But hey, at least they’re not taking an entire decade to come to decisions—or so they say.

Switching to another hemisphere and another issue: drug cartels and Venezuela’s drama around oil. The administration’s strategy here is showing its multifaceted interest—or should it be called a fixation—in our southern neighbor’s affairs, mainly around preventing narcoterrorism and securing some oil to balance everyone’s fiscal ledgers. The same folks who’ve been waving flags of peace and prosperity are now elbow-deep in ensuring that neither their oil nor their cartel connections end up fueling international power plays, literally and figuratively.

There are grumbles about how America needs to address its neighbors’ actions more robustly. But with references like the Truman Doctrine being thrown into casual conversation, it’s hard not to feel like we’re living in a history classroom repeat. After all, America has always believed in showing a stark presence toward those who overstep, lest they think of our neck of the woods as their backyard. Whether it’s about oil grabs or political destabilization, the narrative makes clear that standing by while others play geopolitical chess is not an option.

All things considered, regardless of the lighthearted jabs about ship-counting, what unfolds on the international stage is far from casual. For better or worse, the administration’s saber-rattling reflects a strategic, albeit nerve-wracking, approach to preserving America’s sense of supremacy. At the end of the day, as long as the world sees a confident—not necessarily reckless—America, perhaps the real victory is convincing others that we’re aware of every piece moving across the board, above or below the water. As the saga continues, let’s hope the chess match ends with democracy, much like checkmate, reigning supreme.