Joseph Nye Review

In Joseph Nye's essay Soft Power, he discusses the special type of powers the United States holds. The U.S. holds "soft power," the ability to get others to want the outcomes that we want rather than coerce them. This power is different from hard power, which is mainly an authoritarian way of getting what you want. Nye argues that the soft power relies on three things: the culture, political values, and foreign policy. The U.S. benefits from a universalistic culture. Many people from other places love American products and traditions which helps easily sway them. The U.S.'s general political values involve being allies with everyone we can and to bring peace. This too leads other nations to want to side with us. During the beginnings of the Iraq War, Britain joined with us, believing that we were fighting for a truly good cause. Also, Nye says that movies help countries understand our political values. American foreign policy also influences how we influence other nations. For many years, America has gone abroad spreading democracy. While many countries approve of this as it leads to a steady world order, it also angers many nations like Iraq who do not want any US involvement. Nye, however, argues that America's intentions are always good. Unfortunately, many foreigners believe that Americans are full of self-interest, and because of this, Nye says that Anti-Americanism has increased rapidly. Nye explains how soft power is very dependent on popularity, and that the U.S. will be weakened by the Anti-Americanism. Nye sums up his essay by saying that Americans must find a way to adapt to our institutions and find a way to balance hard power with soft power.