This concept, first introduced by American academic Joseph Nye in 1990, marked a radical shift in understanding how states influence one another. Hard power, characterised by military and economic coercion, is no longer the sole instrument in determining the course of international relationships and political relations or in achieving national interests. The world has witnessed a decline in the use of hard power in international relations due to its high costs and negative consequences.
Soft power serves as a strategic tool in international relations, referring to a state’s ability to influence the behaviour of others and attract them through its culture, values, and principles. It achieves its urgent interests without resorting to coercion or hard power, using appropriate means. Nowadays, soft power plays a significant role in guiding, crafting, and achieving foreign policies and national interests. This is especially true for the ongoing evolution of the international system and the impact of globalisation on states and individuals across various fields. Soft power relies on cultural, value-based, and political appeal and plays a central role in formulating and implementing foreign policy objectives for states.
Soft power appeals to a country’s rich culture and steadfast values, enhancing its credibility through practices that reflect these values. It is characterised by its ability to influence and change others’ behaviour through persuasion and attraction rather than coercion. Soft power is used to enhance international influence and achieve regional and global stability through diplomacy, economic co-operation, cultural and sports initiatives, and more.
The United States serves as a prime example of a country effectively utilising soft power to advance its goals and interests. Through a diverse array of tools, including education, media, culture, and cinema, the US has not only bolstered its international standing but also achieved its strategic objectives.
Today, soft power is one of the most important tools in a country’s foreign policy arsenal. Its profound and varied impact offers an effective alternative to hard power, enabling countries to achieve their goals more peacefully and sustainably. In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, soft power has become an indispensable tool for positive influence, building bridges of understanding, and fostering co-operation between nations to achieve international security and peace.
- Sheikh Mohamed bin Thamer al-Thani, a Qatar University graduate, majoring in International Affairs. He is the class valedictorian of 2024 Qatar University graduation.
