Soft Power: By Joseph S. NYE, Jr.

 

As Political Science graduates, we have been trained on how to diversify between concepts and theories. For, each is and can be branched into multiple different interpretations which may cause uncertainty and disorientation. As a matter of fact, political concepts are in many ways similar and identical. This results in confusion and ignorance, especially when it comes to heavy-duty books and documents, covering hardcore concepts that I surely know, are not always easy to hold onto. Therefore, I feel obliged to clarify and sort out things in here, as it is my humanitarian duty (you’re welcome .. ).

 

Today’s little chat is brought to you by "Soft Power".  A simple political book, that is designed and illustrated in a professional academic sequence. (Don’t panic), this book is narrated in a way that allows you to picture and understand the events easily. The writing strategy that Joseph S. NYE, Jr. have used, simplified not only the concepts explained within the book, but it also plays an important role in advancing your critical and analytical skills.

 

POWER. A 5-letter word that has the means to destroy, fracture and confuse. However, with technology and its high dependency, power is being subdivided into various classifications that resides under one umbrella known as Globalization.

 

The classical definition of power is based on physical armed forces and firearms. Yet, as the world is shifting its dependency to technology, we have basically welcomed a new precision of power. The indicated new category has nothing to do with eliminating the traditional form of authority. Physical power and firearms do still exist, but soft power is tending to shift its jurisdiction in world politics. As the author stated in the book "Force still plays a role in world politics, but its nature has changed in the twenty-first century. Technology is increasing terrorists’ access to destructive power, but they also benefit greatly from increased capacities to communicate  .. ". 

 

Soft power is the force of materials we never thought would have an impact on the world, and the supremacy to renovate world politics. This is where globalization sets in and takes the lead. We have always known that globalization is the easy flow of objects, information etc. But we tend to forget that the survival of globalization and what it has to offer, is based on the audience and how well they take all that in. As the author stated and emphasized on within the book "Soft power depends more than hard power upon the existence of willing interpreters and receivers.".

 

Throughout this publication, you will be introduced to multiple examples of soft power. That also includes technological metaphors, educational institutions etc. Yet, the most important one among them is the globalized ideology which revolves around Americanization.

 

We can all blindly agree that the U.S. has a great ascendency on not only world politics, but also on our lifestyle. However, the specified have generated some kind of an uneasy feeling in people all around the world. Everyone feared change, this fear is based on demolishing world civilizations and focusing on the American culture only. But Americanization is nothing near of what they have in mind.. As the author argued "it is much too simple to equate globalization with Americanization". 

 

Americanization is associated with globalization in a way that have caused confusion and ideological chaos. This confusion resulted in people criticizing and acting against both concepts, which eventually led to the creation of mental and physical barriers, based on hatred and avoidance. 

 

For those who are not in the political field, it’s easy for them to follow what is being said and posted on social media. Whereas those who are politically educated and familiar with the whole idea of both terms, know that Americanization is being used as a target, a political target to attack and differ. As the author stated, "Globalization is more than Americanization, but for those in the antiglobalization movement who want to resist or reshape globalization, anti-Americanism is often a useful weapon and thus its conflation with globalization with globalization is to some extent inevitable. ".

 

In the end, I’d like to say that I really enjoyed the book, regardless of me being in the political field. But this book has got all the important points needed for one to understand the basic idea of globalization and to have a strong foundation of Americanization. This helps in clarifying the image of what each means and aims. 

 

PS: This book was certainly not published for a specified level or audience, it’s for everyone to understand, analyze and enjoy!