SoftPower
Disinformation and other forms of ‘sharp power’ now sit alongside the ‘hard power’ of tanks and ‘soft power’ of ideas in policy handbook
Disinformation and other forms of ‘sharp power’ now sit alongside the ‘hard power’ of tanks and ‘soft power’ of ideas in policy handbook Three forms of power exist: hard power (coercion through force or economic pressure), soft power (attracting others through credibility, legitimacy, and cultural appeal), and sharp power (manipulating others through disinformation, covert influence, […]
🏛️ Politics
Is China the new cool? How Beijing is using pop culture to win the soft power war
Is China the new cool? How Beijing is using pop culture to win the soft power war China is using pop culture to win the soft power war, showcasing its cities, films, games, and social media platforms to a global audience, particularly among younger generations. The country’s cultural exports, such as animated films like “Ne […]
🏛️ Politics
Pikachu protesters, Studio Ghibli memes and the subversive power of cuteness
Pikachu protesters, Studio Ghibli memes and the subversive power of cuteness Pikachu has become an unofficial symbol of opposition to Turkish President Recep Erdogan, with protesters using the character to express their resistance against his government. The use of cuteness as a political tool is not limited to Turkey; it has been employed in various […]
🏛️ Politics
How Trump’s foreign aid and diplomatic cuts will make it harder for the US to wield soft power to maintain its friendships and win new ones
How Trump’s foreign aid and diplomatic cuts will make it harder for the US to wield soft power to maintain its friendships and win new ones Soft power is lower-risk and lower-cost than hard power strategies. A Mokhtari/DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images The Trump administration has proposed shuttering USAID and cutting some of the State […]
🏛️ Politics