soft power: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, academic, political discourse, journalism.
Quick answer
What does “soft power” mean?
The ability of a country or entity to influence others through cultural appeal, political values, and diplomacy rather than military or economic coercion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ability of a country or entity to influence others through cultural appeal, political values, and diplomacy rather than military or economic coercion.
A persuasive approach to international relations, relying on attraction and agenda-setting. Can also refer to similar influence strategies in corporate, institutional, or interpersonal contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept is identical. Slightly more frequent in US political science discourse, but thoroughly established in UK academia and media.
Connotations
Generally neutral/analytical. Can carry a positive connotation (smart, modern diplomacy) or a slightly cynical one (influence masking self-interest).
Frequency
High frequency in political science, international relations, and quality journalism; low frequency in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “soft power” in a Sentence
[Country/Entity] exercises soft power through [means][Means] is a key component of [Country's] soft powerThe soft power of [Country] rests on/in...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “soft power” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The nation's soft power is significantly enhanced by the global reach of the BBC.
- They are investing in soft power initiatives like student exchange programmes.
American English
- The country's soft power relies heavily on its entertainment industry and tech innovation.
- A key pillar of their foreign policy is the exercise of soft power.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A company's brand reputation and corporate culture as forms of soft power in attracting talent and partners.
Academic
A core concept in International Relations theory, analysed in terms of resources, instruments, and outcomes.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used in discussions about a country's popular films, music, or universities being attractive.
Technical
Precise term in political science referring to the ability to shape preferences through appeal and attraction.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “soft power”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “soft power”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “soft power”
- Using it to mean 'weak power'. It's not about weakness but a *type* of strength. | Confusing it with public relations alone; it's a broader strategic concept. | Using as a verb: 'to soft power' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The term was coined by American political scientist Joseph Nye in the late 1980s.
Not necessarily. It is a descriptive term for a type of influence. It can be used for positive goals (promoting human rights) or criticised as a form of subtle manipulation or cultural imperialism.
Yes, the concept is often extended. A corporation with a strong, appealing brand and ethical reputation can wield soft power over consumers, potential employees, and even governments.
Soft power is broader and more about inherent attraction. Propaganda is a specific, directed tool of communication, often associated with misinformation. Soft power is the *ability to attract*; propaganda is one possible *method* to try and create that attraction, but not all soft power stems from propaganda.
The ability of a country or entity to influence others through cultural appeal, political values, and diplomacy rather than military or economic coercion.
Soft power is usually formal, academic, political discourse, journalism. in register.
Soft power: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɒft ˈpaʊə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɔːft ˈpaʊɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A country's currency is its soft power.”
- “To win hearts and minds (related concept).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a favourite foreign film or university that makes you admire that country – that's SOFT power, not soldiers or trade deals (HARD power).
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS FORCE (Hard power = direct, physical force. Soft power = subtle, magnetic force).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of a 'soft power' resource?