Soft Power

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Definition

The term 'Soft Power' refers to a state's ability to shape the preferences of other states via non-coercive means. Soft Power is an indirect form of exerting power; it allows a state to achieve its objectives by attracting other states to follow its lead, admire its values, and emulate its example.

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From Hard to Soft Power

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The components of a state's "Soft Power" are its culture and values, its policies and political institutions, as "currencies" of influence over other states.

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The instruments of Soft Power – through which its components are applied – comprehend leading by example, appealing to commonly accepted values and ends, diplomacy, and propaganda.

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In contrast, "Hard Power" refers to a state's ability to achieve its goals by applying coercive tactics on other states. Coercive tactics correspond to inducements or threats, which derive from a state's economic and military strength.

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Traditionally, a state's "Power" refers to "the factors that enable one actor to manipulate another actor's behavior." In the context of international relations, the concept of 'power' relates to one state's ability to promote its own national interests, to influence the international system and to win in international bargaining.

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