DAFF 25A10 - American Soft Power

The ability of the United States to influence through attraction has been a pillar of the expression of its power throughout the world. The US has capitalized on the appeal of its values, culture, political system, economic success, and scientific innovations in order to set the global agenda, achieve its foreign policy objectives, and enhance its power. In a climate of both intense domestic polarization and increasing challenges to the US-led order, we will examine the state of soft power currently and the role it may play in preserving, defending, and rallying support for American interests in a multipolar world. Among the class objectives: - Analyze the scientific concept of soft power, theoretical and empirical frameworks through which to interpret it, critiques and limitations - Examine the trajectory of US soft power during the 20th century, examine its key components, constraints, and contradictions - Explore the evolving practice of soft power and increasing competition for influence between the US government and non-state actors, rising foreign powers GROUND RULES • Key class values: respect, civility, active listening, solidarity, curiosity, kindness • Come to class…! Attendance is required. Sciences Po tolerates two absences, each of which must be justified. • …and make sure to be on time. If a student knows he/she/they will be late to a class, it is important to let the instructor know in advance. • Beware of plagiarism! Sciences Po defines plagiarism as more than five consecutive un-cited words. All cases of plagiarism will be reported to the Dean of the College and subsequently sanctioned by a 0 for the class (not simply a 0 on the exercise in question). • So…cite, cite, cite! Students may choose any of the major citation formats and must remember to cite regularly throughout the text. • Actively participate…in class discussions; also by remaining engaged during class, not using laptops for non-class purposes, and by contributing to a positive and productive class dynamic (respect for others, punctuality, attentiveness, preparedness, participation). This is a virtuous cycle – being engaged for others helps them to be engaged for you! • Please reach out without delay when encountering any difficulties, problems, or questions. The sooner, the better! The instructor is here to help students find solutions.

Amy Kristin GREENE

Séminaire

English

Autumn 2022-2023

1. GROUP PRESENTATION (30%) To offer a counterpoint to a class focused on the United States, the portfolio is the opportunity to research the soft power resources, strategies, limitations, and results of other countries. Soft power portfolio presentations will start on class 3. Each week, small groups of students will co-research and co-present for 25 minutes (no more, no less!) and lead the subsequent class discussion. Prior to the start of each class, presenters must provide the instructor with a detailed plan of the presentation and its bibliographical references. This can be sent via email (amy.greene@sciencespo.fr). The presentation is designed to be a comprehensive, interactive, and analytical survey of a particular country's soft power assets, formal soft power strategies carried out via public diplomatic initiatives or other efforts, limits to soft power, and the eventual soft power impact in their region or in the world. Students are expected to use a digital support (PowerPoint, Slido, Prezi, etc.) to present their content according to a clear, well-organized, coherent plan. They are strongly encouraged to use short video clips, music, examples of art, and other interactive tools when appropriate in order to add dimension to the presentation. NB: Please note that no exceptions will be made for students who do not present their portfolio. A student who misses his, her, or their portfolio will receive a 0. 2. DISCUSSION POINTS (20%) Beginning on class 3, small groups of students will co-deliver a ten- to twelve-minute analytical presentation of the week's assigned reading then lead the subsequent class discussion. The Discussion Points presentation is not intended to be a recap of the reading. Since we will all have prepared the reading prior to class, the presenters will move directly to the analytical criticisms of the text. It may be relevant to spend a few moments situating the text (its author, their functions, the nature of the text, any biases encountered). Typically, each student will be responsible for identifying and presenting one gap, inconsistency/contradiction, criticism, or question left unanswered in the text. It is important to describe not only the critical elements highlighted, but also why they are significant. Each Discussion Point should consist of three critical elements. At the end of the presentation, presenters will be asked to introduce an element for discussion to be debated by the class as a whole. Presenters will lead and moderate the discussion with their peers. This exercise aims to develop analytical and critical reading skills, capacity to succinctly synthesize complex information, concise and precise expression, and team presentation time management. 3. ANALYTICAL PAPER (30%) Each student will produce an analytical paper from among a choice of formats on a topic of their choice as it relates to soft power. The syllabus is an excellent base to begin to identify potential areas of interest. Students may use the topic of their group presentation as a paper topic. The possible formats: - Case study - Critical book review - “Culture shifts” - Grant proposal - Scientific literature review - Policy note/”white paper” The broad topic area and paper format must be submitted to the instructor for approval via email no later than Class 4. As each student seeks to determine their paper format and issue focus, they should feel welcome to solicit the instructor as needed in order to best identify a relevant topic that also suits their interests. The paper must be submitted via Urkund (amy.greene.scpo@analyse.urkund.com) on or before Class 12. 4. TWO SHORT-ANSWER EXAMS (20%) At the start of classes 7 and 12, students will complete a brief short-answer exam based on weekly readings and class lectures. Failure to complete this exam will result in a 0. BONUS: PARTICIPATION (+1 to final grade) Because this class is highly interactive and depends in large part on regular and widespread participation, students are expected to participate actively in, and contribute to, class discussions. Those students who show particular implication in class will see their final grade increase 1 point.