What is 'soft power' as defined by Joseph Nye?

'Soft power,' as defined by Joseph Nye, refers to the ability of a country to influence others through attraction rather than coercion or payment. This concept emphasizes the importance of cultural, ideological, and diplomatic means to achieve foreign policy objectives. Soft power encompasses the appeal of a nation's values, culture, and institutions, alongside its capacity for diplomacy and collaboration.

By fostering strong relationships and promoting shared ideals, countries can achieve their goals more effectively, as they are seen as role models or partners rather than mere adversaries. Examples of soft power include a nation’s promotion of its cultural products, such as movies and music, as well as its diplomatic initiatives that encourage collaboration on global issues like climate change, human rights, and development aid.

In contrast, the other options emphasize coercive or unilateral strategies, such as military force, economic dominance, or legal enforcement, which do not align with the essence of soft power focused on attraction through non-coercive means.