Power projection is a term used in military and political science (specifically international relations) circles, referring to the ability of a state to implement policy by means of force, or the threat thereof. Usually, power projection refers to the ability to do so far away from the territory of the state.

The term is often used to refer to the United States and its armed forces, and the ability to thereby use aircraft carrier battle groups, strategic bombers, or troops as a diplomatic tool.

Examples of power projection vary from the American air raid on Libya as part of Operation Eldorado Canyon to its massive humanitarian relief operations in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. Power projection does not, however, have to involve the active use of forces. Merely parking an aircraft carrier off the coast of a crisis area may be sufficient to alter the temperments of nation-states involved.