The Decline of America’s Soft Power

By: Joseph S. Nye, Jr.

Summary: The Bush administration may dismiss the relevance of soft power, but it does so at great peril. Success in the war on terrorism depends on Washington's capacity to persuade others without force, and that capacity is in dangerous decline.

1. How has the image of the United States altered in the world today? What must be pursued to reverse this?
2. Explain the necessity of soft power in politics.

LOST SAVINGS

3. What soft power measures were taken by the U.S. during the Cold War?
4. How can soft power be utilized to isolate extremists in the Middle East and thus allow the promotion of democracy?

FIRST RESPONDERS

5. Why is public diplomacy ineffective in the Middle East? What must the U.S. be consistent with to ensure its success?

ANTE UP

6. How imbalanced are the resources and funding for soft power in comparison to military might?

IT GOES BOTH WAYS

7. How must Americans change their perceptions and move beyond parochialism?
8. Consider the fact that soft power is far less unilateral than hard power. How does this make soft power more advantageous?