Soft Power

The soft power of a nation is the ability to affect others to obtain the outcome one wants through attraction rather than coercion or payment(Nye). This method requires a nation to appeal to the hearts and minds of people in other countries.  Also, no military or "hard" power is used.  Soft power is successfully used through cultural aspects and public diplomacy.  Public diplomacy is an instrument that government's use to mobilize resources to communicate with and attract peoples of other countries(Nye). A nation that has a good foundation in soft power can essentially go farther than a nation that solely relies on hard power.  Wars and conflicts that are caused by hard power work can work against a nation, for the people that they are attacking can become weary and begin to make it difficult of the military forces to effectively perform their duty.  By appealing to the people, nations the wield soft power have the upper hand.  Governments around the world want to keep their people happy; to ensure the survival of their nation.  If the people want to change or abide by another country, then their government will most likely comply, so they can prevent protests or revolts.  Thus, soft power is an vital factor in the foreign policy of a nation because it appeals directly to the people; who eventually always win over the government.