Soft power - Definition and Overview

Soft power is a concept within international relations that refers to power which comes from economic or cultural means. Also referred to as cooptive power, it allows nations to exert their influence without using military means.

An example of this would be the United States influencing the world through its economic and cultural power. For example, the globalization of American culture can be seen in the world-wide appreciation for Coca-Cola, Hollywood, and a Big Mac. The possibility of joining the European Union with all the attached economic benefits persuaded Turkey to eliminate the death penalty.

Soft power is contrasted with hard power which refers to power which comes from military sources or threats, but some theorists claim that the two concepts can be mutually reinforcing. For instance, in 1991 the United States used its diplomatic influence to persuade other nations to donate troops and money to the first Gulf War, and Rome's military might ensured the preponderance of Roman culture in Europe.

The term "soft power" is credited to political scientist Joseph Nye, the Don K. Price Professor and Dean of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Soft power is an important part of current Chinese strategic thought, and much effort has been spent in the People's Republic of China of quantifying soft power as part of an overall index of comprehensive national power.