What Is Soft Power? 5 Examples of Soft Power

Soft power is a type of influence wielded by persuading others, particularly countries, to do what you want them to do through political, moral, or cultural attraction without having to coerce with threats or financial incentives. Joseph S. Nye, Jr., a political scientist at Harvard University and the author of Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics, coined the term in the late 1980s. Political scientists use soft power to discuss foreign policy and the governing styles of political leaders in different parts of the world.

The difference between soft and hard power in international politics is the use of force. Soft power resources are the attractive attributes of a country—such as a civil society, human rights, and opportunities for individual success—that inspire other countries to want the same goals.

On the other hand, hard power coerces compliance through inducements such as military force, economic sanctions, or the control of exports to compel policymakers in other countries to acquiesce. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, during which Russia successfully annexed Crimea, is an example of hard power that led to the largest territorial gain by force since the end of World War II. The United States invading Iraq is another example of hard power.

Political scientist Joseph Nye stated that a country’s soft power relies on three resources: culture, political values, and foreign policies. Here are some examples of soft power that countries and political leaders use to influence international relations:

1. 1. Business and trade: This type of soft power centers on the allure of a country’s business acumen, the success of its economy, and ability to innovate. Japan, for example, wields great powers in business because of its high levels of investment and many globally recognizable electronics and auto industry companies.
2. 2. Culture: This is a country’s power to influence others through its cultural riches, such as art, literature, music, or even pop culture. American soft power includes popular media like movies, music, and television. The European Union attracts admirers with its art, music, and architecture. Korea’s K-pop music attracts fans from around the globe with its catchy tunes and charismatic performers.
3. 3. Education: Educational soft power is when a country becomes a desirable destination for international studies due to high-quality institutions and scholars. Some countries, including the United States, attract many international students.
4. 4. Governance: Soft power in governance means respect for freedom and democracy for citizens, resulting in a civil society. For example, US foreign policy supports human rights and international law.
5. 5. International relations and diplomacy: Public diplomacy in foreign affairs and contributions to global development are potent sources of soft power. Being able to handle public affairs, like international conflicts between superpowers, with diplomacy is a soft power.

Soft power is important because it has a measurable, positive effect on human suffering. Hard power is the root cause of all wars, including the Cold War, in which the entire world lived under the threat of destruction. Political scientist Joseph Nye suggests the most effective approach to foreign policy in the twenty-first century is a mix of hard and soft power, also known as smart power.

China, for example, has used smart power to transform into the largest trading nation in the world. The country expanded its economic ties to almost all other countries (soft power) but rejected democracy and freedom by retaining a one-party political system (hard power).

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