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