In Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics, Joseph S. Nye Jr. explores how countries can achieve their international objectives not just through coercion or force, but through attraction and persuasion. Nye introduces the concept of „soft power,“ rooted in the appeal of a nation’s culture, political values, and foreign policies. When these elements are perceived as legitimate and attractive, they enhance a country’s influence on the world stage, often yielding more sustainable results than military or economic might alone.

Nye delves into how resources like cultural exports, political ideals, and moral authority shape global perceptions and outcomes. He stresses that soft power is not a replacement for hard power, but rather a vital complement—effective statecraft requires a careful balance of both. The book also addresses the challenges governments face in wielding soft power, since many of its key resources lie beyond direct state control and its effects tend to be indirect and long-term.