The hottest Soft Power Substack posts right now

Culture plays a big role in international politics, and France has a strong history of embracing cosmopolitanism.
The opening ceremony of the Olympics may be seen as a show of tolerance, but it also has contradictions regarding accepting criticism.
Liberal societies often struggle with tolerance for different opinions, especially about issues like immigration and gender, which can create cultural pressure to conform.

Soft power is important for venture capitalists because it helps them stand out in a competitive market. It’s not just about money but also reputation and influence.
Building soft power takes time, but new VCs can start quickly by finding their unique voice and using online platforms to share their ideas.
Learning from experienced investors can help avoid common pitfalls. They share their mistakes and successes to help others grow their soft power effectively.

Helping others through international aid is not just good for the people receiving help, but it also makes the helpers feel good and strengthens their own country's values.
International aid helps build relationships and influence. If the U.S. pulls back, other nations like China might step in and take that influence.
Investing in international development is smart economics. It helps create markets for U.S. goods, ensuring better economic stability for everyone involved.

Soft power is about a country's influence through culture and lifestyle, not just military or economic strength. Researchers created a soft power index to measure this influence in various countries.
South Korea topped the soft power rankings, surprising many since it’s not always viewed as a global leader. Countries like Germany and China also ranked higher than the US, which many might not expect.
The study suggests that soft power can affect financial markets and exchange rates. Countries with strong cultural influence and global reach might see less fluctuation in their currency values.

China is facing challenges in exerting soft power in Central Asia due to cultural differences.
China is strengthening economic and security ties with the five Central Asian states.
Common interests such as countering terrorism contribute to the developing relations between China and Central Asian countries.

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Labour should make the selfish case for foreign aid to appeal to people's self-interest and make it more politically viable.
Talking about foreign aid in terms of soft power and global stability can help reframe its purpose and importance.
Addressing corruption in foreign aid should focus on improving practices rather than using it as an argument against aid altogether.

Joseph Nye discusses the challenges of balancing academia and government roles, with a focus on time and power.
Power has been a dominant issue in Nye's career, explored through concepts like soft power and interdependence.
Nye and Bob Keohane analyzed how OPEC's non-military influence on global wealth showcased asymmetrical interdependence.

Joe Biden's visit to Ireland was a remarkable show of soft power for the nation.
Ireland's history showcases diplomatic victories over Britain through strategic moves.
Cultural links, like those between Ireland and the US, can be powerful tools for nations to utilize.

World's fairs were historically significant events that showcased a country's power and aspirations.
Since World War II, world's fairs have declined in importance, but recent events suggest a resurgence linked to geopolitics.
Saudi Arabia winning the 2030 bid for World Expo signals their transformation into a global tourist hub and move away from oil dependency.