soft power

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

the ability of a state or actor to influence the behaviour and preferences of others through attraction, persuasion, and the appeal of cultural values, political ideals, and foreign policies, rather than through military force or economic coercion; the concept was developed by political scientist Joseph Nye and contrasted with hard power; soft power resources include a country's cultural exports such as film, music, cuisine, and language; its universities and educational institutions; its political model and democratic values; and the perceived legitimacy and morality of its foreign policy