soft power
"Soft power" is a concept introduced by political scientist Joseph Nye to describe the ability to attract and co-opt rather than coerce.
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Definition
C1International Relations
(technical, academic)The ability of a country to influence others through cultural appeal, diplomacy, and values rather than military force or economic sanctions.
Example
- Countries often use soft power to build alliances and foster goodwill.
- The nation's soft power is evident in its global cultural exports like movies and music.
B2Politics
(general)Influence achieved through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion.
Example
- Soft power can be more effective than hard power in winning long-term allies.
- The use of soft power includes initiatives like foreign aid and cultural exchange programs.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "soft power":
hard powersmart powersoft moneysoft killsoft keymilitary powersoft point