Soft Power - by Joseph S Nye (Paperback)

About the Book

What must the United States do to remain the global superpower and stop alienating the rest of the world? The author of the bestselling "The Paradox of American Power" has one clear answer: soft power.

Book Synopsis

From the pre-eminent scholar of foreign policy, a guide to soft power: the ability of governments to attract and persuade, rather than coerce by force

Joseph S. Nye, Jr. coined the term "soft power" to describe a nation's ability to attract and persuade. Whereas hard power--the ability to coerce-- grows out of a country's military or economic might, soft power arises from the attractiveness of its culture, political ideals, and policies.

Hard power remains crucial in a world of states trying to guard their independence. But Nye argues that soft power - diplomacy, economic assistance, trustworthy information -- is essential as well in securing America's national interests. One of the most influential books on foreign policy every written, Soft Power offers vital guidance in an age of geopolitical turmoil.

Review Quotes

"As brilliant as it is timely, Professor Nye's book is must reading for anyone who cares about the success of America and the world."--Madeleine K. Albright

"Nye combines a theoretical argument about the nature of power in the modern, interdependent world with a practical critique of the unidimensional vision of the Bush administration, drunk on its image of military prowess and blind to what his subtitle calls the means to success in world politics." --Washington Post Book World

"Policy makers who are reshaping America's world role and contemplating the decline of American prestige will find Joseph Nye's Soft Power indispensable."--Dallas Morning News

About the Author

Joseph S. Nye, Jr. (1937-2025)served as Dean of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and as Chairman of the National Intelligence Council and Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Clinton administration. He is the author of several books, including The Paradox of American Power, The Future of Power and Bound to Lead.