7.1B - Hard and Soft Power Spectrum
Mechanisms of maintaining power sit on a spectrum from 'hard' to 'soft' power, which vary in their effectiveness.
Hard power: using military and economic influence (trade deals, sanctions) to force a country to act in a particular way.
Soft power: more subtle persuasion of countries to act in a particular way, on the basis that the persuader is respected and appealing. Includes political persuasion (diplomacy) and cultural influence.
- International rankings of soft power, such as by Monocle magazine, usually place the USA, UK, France and Germany top of the annual rankings. (Western liberal democracies)
The political scientist Joseph Nye of Havard University coined the terms hard and soft power in 1990. He argues that in the 21st century the most successful countries are those that combine hard and soft power into smart power (a 'carrot and stick' approach).
Mechanisms for maintaining power sit on a spectrum from hard to soft power - for example trade agreements or selective development aid lie somewhere in between.
Which is most effective?
- Hard power (threats of force or military action) can get results, but it is expensive and risky.
- Others may view military action as unnecessary or illegal, so the aggressor may lose allies and moral authority (e.g. Russia's 2014 invasion of the Crimea)
- Soft power relies on a country having respected culture, values and politics, which may be enough to persuade some countries but not others.
- Soft power, applied well, is low cost and, because it is about creating alliances and friendly relations, may spread to other countries.
Example of hard power - USA:
- 1991: organised and led the coalition to expel Iraqi forces that had invaded Kuwait in the First Gulf War
- 2003: invaded Iraq in the Second Gulf War when economic sanctions (softer power) failed to persuade President Saddam Hussein to change policy.
Example of soft power - UK:
- Described by foreign secretary Douglas Hurd in the 1980s as 'punching above her weight'D
- 5th largest economy - attractive market and source of TNC FDI.
- Diplomacy - one of the largest networks of diplomats and embassies in the world.
- According to Henry Kissinger in the 1970s, the UK benefits from its moral authority.
- BBC World Service - more neutral and reliable than many government broadcasters. Worldwide news and programmes.
- Films (Pride and Prejudice), television (Downton Abbey) and literature (Harry Potter)
- City of London (and New York) dominate international finance, banking and law - setting standards and values