It is a strong form of diplomacy where a country negotiate while making it clear that the options and power of military might are left open. It is like by being bullied by big boys in the international arena. It comes at the backdrop of the realization that negotiating with a weak military is futile in the international arena. It is founded on the principles of realism.
The original purpose of the convention was to search for ways to improve the Articles of Confederation. However the Framers changed the purpose to writing a new constitution because they thought the problems were too serious to try correct.