Soft Power Resources Research Articles

Translation, a measure of force of attraction? States, international organizations and the consecrating power of translation

ABSTRACT Based on the premise that both translations and collective bodies have historically been used to build collective identities, shape their images, and defend their interests, this article examines several projects constituting the translation policy of the Intellectual Cooperation Organization (1925–1945) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (1945–) from a soft-power perspective. In the first section, I identify several contemporary trends in translation studies that share an interest in the state, though I also delve into parallel critiques against methodological nationalism. The second section addresses states and international organizations as agents of translation that maximize the potential of translation as a soft-power resource. The third and the fourth section examine two specific translation projects as soft-power resources from the perspective of the producing end. The fifth section examines the way the press of the time covered said projects and discusses their reception in different social spaces. This case study is used as a heuristic tool to discuss states as relevant objects of study in translation studies, the multiple receptions of translations, and the consecrating power of translation.

The history of the formation of "soft power" resources in the foreign cultural policy of the Italian Republic

The subject of the research in this article is the history of the formation of the resources of the "soft power" of the Italian Republic. The object of research in this article is the activities and experience of the Italian Republic in the XX century within the framework of foreign cultural policy to promote a positive image of the country on the basis of its own national culture and its components. The article aims to provide an overview of the development of the concept of "soft power", the history of its formation, as well as the study of Italy's experience in using its cultural heritage as tools for forming a positive image of its national culture abroad. The study of this issue in several directions, depending on the goals of the state, allowed us to consider in dynamics what was the basis for the current state and functioning of foreign cultural policy, in Italian practice based mainly on elements of national culture. One of the key aspects of the formation of Italy's soft power resources is its rich cultural heritage. Italy is known for its great works of art, architecture, music, cuisine and fashion. These cultural elements have become an important tool for attracting attention and respect to the country abroad. When using general scientific methods of information analysis and synthesis, observation, systematization, classification, interpretation and forecasting, the main milestones of the development of "soft power" in the Italian Republic are examined in detail, which makes it possible to trace on which resources the popularization of national culture is based and which areas have been allocated by the state over time to increase the attractiveness and prestige of the country, as well as establishing trusting relationships with potential partners. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that today the connection between national culture and soft power is an important aspect of the state's foreign policy, which arouses some interest in the topic. The interest in studying this aspect is also explained by the fact that today the skillful application of the policy of "soft power" comes to the fore in cultural diplomacy, which shows the country's ability to achieve its goals through the attractiveness of its lifestyle, values and culture, and not through military force, implying the emergence of certain threats. In connection with the conclusions obtained, it is possible to identify how the development of modern trends in the transmission of the image of national culture developed, which are now actively promoted by the Italian Republic through the policy of "soft power", contributing to the establishment of friendly relations, increasing prestige and increasing influence in the international arena.

The media in China–Africa public relations: Assessing China's attractiveness beyond economic development assistance

AbstractThis work explores China's African public relations and image‐building effort, focusing on Nigeria. Thus, the paper's purpose is twofold: first, to investigate whether China's conduct of public diplomacy through its soft power resource—development assistance—has effectively shaped positive Nigerian public perception of China, and second, to determine the media's role in advancing China's public diplomacy in Nigeria. Specifically, it explores the interaction of economic development assistance, media, and public relations. I do this by comparing China's foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nigeria (2010–2019) with the public's perception of the FDI's influence on the Nigerian economy (2016 and 2020) and the media's role in shaping public support toward the investments. Utilizing a range of datasets, I find that Chinese economic investment alone is insufficient to substantially shape positive Nigerian public perception of China. Within a framework of mediated public diplomacy, I demonstrate that the Chinese image‐building effort in Nigeria would likely enhance when the country links economic investments with public relations to make the investments more visible through effective media representation.Related ArticlesAyhan, Kadir Jun, and Nancy Snow. 2021. “Introduction to the Special Issue—Global Korea Scholarship: Empirical Evaluation of a Non‐Western Scholarship Program from a Public Diplomacy Perspective.” Politics & Policy 49(6): 1282–91. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12440.Hodzi, Obert, and John H. S. Åberg. 2020. “Introduction to the Special Issue: Strategic Deployment of the China Model in Africa.” Politics & Policy 48(5): 804–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12378.Huijgh, Ellen. 2017. “Indonesia's ‘Intermestic’ Public Diplomacy: Features and Future.” Politics & Policy 45(5): 762–92. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12221.

Soft Power and Small States: A Theoretical Discussion

This paper analyses global debates on soft power and its implications for small states in international relations. It primarily focuses on theoretical debates about the soft power of small states. It examines the conceptual development of soft power and how it relates to small states using a qualitative approach. It has observed small states from quantitative and qualitative definitions and found them to have divergent priorities with distinct characteristics. Furthermore, a soft power taxonomy was used to observe soft power resources, instruments, receptions, and outcomes. Methodologically, this paper follows the qualitative literature review approach, using a systematic framework. Finally, the paper examines the ontological position of soft power in international relations theory, providing a unique proposition that stands out from realism, liberalism, and constructivism. In conclusion, the paper reviews the opportunities, challenges, and practices of soft power in the foreign affairs of small states, drawing on theoretical and philosophical lenses to develop persuasive arguments.

Popular Leader as an Asset of Soft Power: The Ratings of National Leaders and their Countries Abroad

Abstract The original concept of soft power embraced the belief that culture, values and foreign policy practice are the basic resources upon which this type power is based. This article argues that popular national leaders can also – maybe even more so – be treated as soft power resources as their popularity and trustworthiness go hand in hand with the positive public opinion about their countries abroad. This hypothesis is tested against survey data collected from all over the globe by the U.S.-based polling institute Pew Research Center over the last two decades. The data shows a strong positive correlation between the public confidence in a leader and the view of their country abroad in almost every case that was examined. The view of a country among foreign audiences often changes with the change of its top leadership. The results of this reseach cast doubt on whether national culture and values rather than national leaders are the preeminent source of soft power of any given country in international politics.

Conflicts in mangrove protected areas through the actor-centred power framework - Insights from China

Mangroves as a critical ecosystem in tropical and subtropical intertidal zones are undergoing accelerated degradation. Efforts to establish protected areas have been credited as a plausible way to protect mangroves. However, the rapid expansion of protected areas has severely eroded communities' livelihoods and power balance with local authorities, creating tensions between mangrove conservation and local aquaculture development. Based on the actor-centered power framework, we analyzed local residents' reactions and resistance to the highly politicized policies in the K Mangrove National Nature Reserve in China. By revealing power dynamics hidden in multi-actor conflicts under an authoritarian regime, our research sheds new light on how conflicts arise and escalate through the strategic use of power resources and imbalanced power configuration during structural change and policy implementation. Power relations between groups of actors are reshaped from tacit complicity to opposition between the policy coalition and the interest expression coalition. The deprivation by local authorities of community-owned soft power resources significantly exacerbates the power asymmetry between coalitions and triggers the adoption of stronger power strategies by the community and the escalation of resistance intensity. Our research has important implications for better conflict management and coastal resource management under authoritarianism.

Home market power and host market protection of foreign investment

How do multinational firms trapped in host markets suffering from political violence find security? Terrorism and conflict repel foreign investment and recent research has sought to understand heterogeneity across firms in their response to violence. When multinational firms are unable to move their investments in the face of violence, we argue that their home governments use diplomatic capacity and security and economic resources to secure protection from host governments. Multinational corporations from home markets with significant leverage over host markets are therefore less likely to curtail their operations or investments in the wake of violence. Examining dyadic data on foreign direct investment (FDI), we show that home market diplomatic missions, aid, and alliances substantially abate the negative effects of violence on FDI. Consistent with our argument, this effect is observed after violence begins and is not an artifact of host markets garnering security aid from great powers other than the home market. A strong diplomatic presence matched to both hard and soft power resources positively contributes to the defense of core foreign policy interests.

Soft power prophet(s): the unexplored dimension of Nigeria’s religious soft power potential

ABSTRACT Despite Nigeria’s reservoir of soft power resources, adequate attention has not been given to the growing transnational influence of Nigeria’s Pentecostal pastors/prophets. Drawing on the recent emphasis on soft power capabilities of individuals which moves soft power discourse away from focusing strictly on state-centric analysis, this paper examines the soft power attraction of Nigeria’s Pentecostal pastors/prophets, especially, the late Prophet TB Joshua. The article argues that with the enormity of such influence, the Nigerian state can leverage it as a potent tool of diplomacy to further enhance its soft power, although it notes that the expected separation between the state and religion might pose some challenges.

Japan's smart power strategy and securing the US-led order

ABSTRACT What is Japan's strategy to secure the US-led order from the heightened China challenge? This article argues that Japan is pursuing a smart power strategy made up of two complementary strands. The first is the use of hard power resources, involving internal and external balancing measures, to assist the US and other partners and friends to secure the region's balance of power in favour of the US-led order. The second strand refers Japan's use of soft power resources to reinforce the multilateral orders in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific regions in support of the US-led order. It focuses on the promotion of norms that advocate for a regional rules-based order outlined in the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy/vision. The article concludes that the smart power strategy has been successful in facilitating Japan's objective of securing the US-led order given its internal constraints and unique position between the US and China.

Turkish Foreign Policy Towards Central Asia: An Unfolding of Regionalism and Soft Power

The end of the Cold War brought about new challenges and opportunities for
 Turkey in redesigning its foreign policy. The independence of the Central Asian
 countries, with which Turkey shares common cultural, historical, and linguistic
 features, prompted Turkey to rapidly adapt to the new environment in the post-
 Cold War world order. After three decades, Turkey’s engagement with the Central
 Asian republics has gradually increased and reached a level at which Turkey
 is capable of effectively combining its soft and hard power capabilities within
 regional parameters. This article critically analyzes 30 years of Turkish foreign
 policy in Central Asia with a focus on its regionalism and soft power elements. We
 argue that Central Asia has provided a unique opportunity for Turkey to reshape
 its foreign policy on regional terms by utilizing its soft power resources for the
 first time, the experience later serving as a model for other regions.

Redefining Nepal’s Foreign Policy on the Basis of Its Soft-Power Assets

This paper examines the bilateral and multilateral relations of Nepal with soft power superpowers. It discusses the proper identification of soft power resources and instruments on their ground and mobilization of those to the targeted country using formal, public, and economic diplomacy with an aim of uplifting soft power ranks and indices. The homilies and diplomatic activities of Nepal have been examined using the soft power theory and the small state lens. In addition, it also aims to analyze Nepal's complex involvement in international affairs at the levels of governments, think tanks, research institutions, and academia. This paper has been prepared primarily based on desk research, mainly utilizing secondary data sources.

Winning Hearts and Minds: Soft Power, Cinema, and Public Perceptions of the United States and China in Brazil

Abstract In this article, we explore the relationship between soft power projection and public opinion, specifically investigating how cinema as a soft power resource can shape people's positive perceptions about a country. While soft power has been defined as a form of persuasive power associated with intangible resources such as culture, ideology, and institutions, the link between these resources and public opinion has received limited attention in previous research. This study aims to fill this gap by using the film industry as a proxy for soft power projection. We compare the United States’ and China's soft power sources and projections through an online survey with 908 participants in Brazil. Our findings indicate that exposure to soft power via films can shape people's positive perceptions of countries. However, some dimensions of soft power appear to be more challenging to activate than others, such as patriotic films’ association with admiration for US military power. The study also discovered that soft power activation may be context dependent, with greater knowledge of a country's soft power resources in a particular context leading to increased soft power projection/activation. We contribute to research by empirically expanding our understanding of soft power dynamics and how power resources can be converted into public opinion in world politics.

Group Hegemonic Leadership as an Analytical Framework for Understanding Regional Hegemony in Africa

Abstract This paper revisits the literature on regional power-hood and its application to Africa with a view to answering two key questions: one, whether we can talk of regional hegemons in the continent in real terms, and two, whether group hegemonic leadership better explains regional hegemonic behavior in Africa. It uses Sandra Destradi conceptual framework and Miriam Prys’ typology of regional power-hood to answer these questions, with South Africa and Nigeria as case studies. Using Prys’ typology which distinguishes between regional detached powers, regional hegemons and regional dominators as an analytical framework, the paper confirms what already exists in the literature, viz. that neither South Africa nor Nigeria neatly fit the conception of regional hegemons in Africa. However, it uses both countries as empirical cases to argue that they already act as hegemonic leaders and in cooperative ways that suggest group or shared leadership, using specific Common African Positions they have led in Africa. The analysis concludes by laying out the normative basis for a Group Hegemony composed of not only South Africa and Nigeria, but also other sub-regional leaders in the continent. This is based on the hard power shortfalls and internal weaknesses of both our case studies including their relative soft power resources which have utility in an increasingly intersocial international system.

Rethinking Nigeria’s soft power capability as a regional leader in Africa

Nigeria has always been seen as a significant regional player in Africa, and the country has not hidden its aspiration to be its leader. However, recent events, particularly in the fourth republic between 1999 and to date, have seen this ambition decline significantly. The study interrogates Nigeria’s soft power leadership capability as contemporary power diffusion theory and its ambition to be a regional leader in Africa. It examines various ways Nigeria can rethink its soft power strategies to achieve its age-long regional aspiration. The qualitative research method was adopted for the study, while primary and secondary sources were used in collecting data for the research. Findings reveal that Nigeria’s neglect and underutilisation of its strategic soft power tools in gaining regional influence continue to inhibit its African leadership ambitions. The study recommends a dynamic policy of developing and deploying significant soft power resources to boost Nigeria’s leadership in Africa.

Iran’s soft power in the Middle East via the promotion of the Persian language

ABSTRACT This article explores the language-related instruments Tehran uses to pursue its soft power goals in the Middle East. The article first defines soft power and the role of language in its promotion, and then summarises Iran’s overall Persian-language strategies across the region. The main part of the article uses a rich array of primary source material in Persian to focus specifically on Tehran’s efforts to use the Persian language as a soft power resource in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria. The article demonstrates that over the last decade, Iran has increasingly engaged in strategies to enhance its soft power reach in these countries through the development of Persian language programmes. It argues that Iran at times uses the promotion of the Persian language to further other soft power goals, such as the development of its key foreign policy platforms and the spread of Shiism based on the context.

Religious Soft Power: Definition(s), Limits and Usage

The following questions can be asked about the role of religion in global politics and discussions of its power position: (1) If religion is used as a soft power resource, how can we define it [...]

Illiberal Memory across Borders: Russian Conceptualizations and Uses of History Abroad

This article provides a typology of Russian memory practices in the international sphere and traces them to Russian foreign-policy doctrine. Drawing on primary sources, it argues that Russian uses of history abroad exemplify a growing transnational illiberal memory, in reaction to the liberal teleological formulation of history and reconciliation. The second section examines how the Russian state uses the politics of history within its own foreign policy and public diplomacy, drawing on an original dataset of Russian international memory activities. The findings are grouped into four categories: (1) memory exports, (2) alliances, (3) offense, and (4) defense. Memory exports and alliances inform memory diplomacy and are ways of promoting Russia, using its history as a soft-power resource. Memory offense and defense are practices within memory wars that indicate the geopolitical value placed by the Kremlin on protecting perceived historical resources. However, the findings also demonstrate that Russia does not prioritize the political threat posed by antithetical memory when there is no apparent political will to use the memory to challenge Russian geopolitical ambitions. It concludes that Russian memory engagement is defined by geopolitical competition against the West and then weighted against national security concerns and/or the potential to gain influence.

Chinese Soft Power

China’s modern power is based on traditional sources: territory size, demographics, economy, and army. An important factor of power is soft power, which is based on culture, foreign policy (including economics), and values. Chinese soft power resources have an old tradition and the possibility of using them is large, and most importantly, in the current international environment, they can use them to gain and maintain an advantage over competitors. The article presents the elements of China’s soft power that determine its advantage over other countries and the weaknesses that may limit its influence. It largely determines the research methods used: statistics and system analysis. The latter method makes it possible to determine the scale of China’s influence and the chances of using them in the 21st century.

A Taiwanese Soft Power? Contesting Visions of Democracy and Culture

Abstract How do Taiwanese officials view democracy and culture and how do they plan to utilise these two soft power resources as part of advancing the island’s international position? Based primarily on interviews conducted with state officials in Taiwan, this paper analyses Taiwan’s soft power repositioning in the regional and global soft power competition and examines its advantages and disadvantages. It discusses the institutional and geopolitical constraints Taiwan faces when trying to implement its soft power policy and addresses the internal disagreements over utilising its cultural and democratic achievements. It concludes that despite the utility of soft power in pursuing its foreign policy agenda, Taiwan faces a few major institutional and conceptual obstacles, keeping Taiwanese diplomacy in a transitional period from old thinking about culture and diplomacy while hesitantly evaluating its soft power resources.

Indonesia’s G20 Presidency 2022: Connecting Soft Power and Digital Diplomacy Practice on Instagram

The purpose of this paper is to answer two research questions. The first one is how Indonesia utilizes culture as the soft power resource in G20 Presidency 2022 and the second one is the practice of Indonesia’s digital diplomacy on Instagram in G20 Presidency 2022. This research utilizes two conceptual frameworks, the concept of soft power and its cultural element, as well as the concept of public and digital diplomacy. The methodology used in this paper is a qualitative method. The primary data are gathered from Indonesia’s government statements and an official Instagram account that has been verified, @indonesia.g20, as a purposive sample. The secondary data of this article are taken from academic journals and e-books. All data used in this research are limited from December 2021 until May 2022 as part of the early phase of Indonesia’s G20 Presidency. The findings of this research are: (i) Indonesia uses the element of culture as part of promoting its soft power at the global stage through G20 by using cultural element in the G20 Presidency logo; (ii) the strategic issues regarding culture are combined with performances to showcase the variety of Indonesia’s cultural actors and communities; (iii) the practice of digital diplomacy, in terms of agenda-setting, has used three methods to spread information regarding the G20 agendas: by providing technical information, explaining substantive messages of G20 priority areas, and inviting active engagement through quizzes on G20 issues; and (iv) digital diplomacy on @indonesia.g20 Instagram account has covered the involvement of non-state actors.