While the statements might be "coercive", said Mr Freeman, it remained to be seen "whether canal authorities lower fees on US cargo in response to the threat".

And if they’re gravely ill, some form of coercive action might be called for.

In recent years, Pierson has become convinced that a coercive interrogation technique common among U.S. law enforcement agencies can lead to wrongful convictions, and has championed new models of questioning.

Police can pursue criminality under "fraud by misrepresentation; where the relationship itself is a deceit for financial gain, or, coercive control and financial abuse legislation".

The Russians speak of the “power ministries,” the departments that have significant legal and coercive capacity.