Hard and soft power Flashcards
Definition of hard power
The use of coercion by a state or entity to compel or deter other actors
Examples of hard power
Military power - use and threat of military force
Economic power - Economic sanctions. trade embargoes and financial controls
Political power - Diplomatic pressures or removal from IGOs
Definition of soft power
The ability of a state to shape the preferences and behaviours of other actors based on the attractiveness of its culture, political values and foreign polices.
Examples of soft power
Cultural power - Global reach and attractiveness of a countries culture
Ideological power - Appeal of a country’s values, system of governance and way of life
Diplomatic Power - Positive international relations and effective diplomacy
Advantages of hard power
Immediate impact, tangible assets and direct control
Advantages of soft power
Strengthened relationships, cost-efficiency and promotes positive image
Limitations of hard power
Risk of escalation, reputation damage and economic strains
Limitations of soft power
Slower results, less predictable and susceptibly to propaganda
Real life examples of Hard power
Us sanctions on Iran in 2008, aimed to damage economy into signing arms deal
China’s island building in south China sea, bolster territorial claims and showing military might
NATO’s intervention in Libya(2011) - lead to toppling of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime
Real life example of soft power
U.s higher education
Sweden’s international image
