Soft Power

Question 1

What is soft power?

Answer 1

• Attractive power
• Uses a different kind of currency, not money nor force, to engender cooperation
• Can reduce cost of accomplishing FP objectives, by co-opting rather than coercing
• Legitimising tool for the exercise of hard power

Question 2

How has South Africa used soft power to advance its hegemonic aspiration ahead of Nigeria?

Answer 2

• Its Afrocentric policies
• Focus on human rights + upkeep of democratic rule
• Involvement in multilateral peacekeeping operations with the AU and UN -> using its military prowess to maintain stability in the region

Question 3

What does South Africa enjoy by playing a pivotal role in securing regional stability?

Answer 3

• High levels of legitimacy + moral authority

- By demonstrating values in line with those held by democracies in the West

Question 4

How has South Africa employed its economic power as a soft power instrument?

Answer 4

• The sole African member of the G-20
• A multilateral forum of the most advanced and industrialised countries
• Recognised as an economic gateway to Africa
• Sometimes acts as spokesperson for African issues at the global level

Question 5

What importance does liberalism accord to soft power?

Answer 5

• Possessing + wielding soft power

- Is critical to establish oneself as a leader on the world stage

Question 6

What is political clout increased by?

Answer 6

Soft power

Question 7

How have Norway used soft power to increase its political clout?

Answer 7

Has defined its national interest to include peace talks in countries such as Sri Lanka + the Philippines

• > gives Norway access in international system
• > its place at so many negotiating tables elevates its usefulness + value to larger countries

Question 8

What is an important form of soft power projection?

Answer 8

Diplomacy

Question 9

What do diplomats do?

Answer 9

• Engage in dialogue + negotiations to protect their nation’s interest abroad
• Report information affecting their nation’s interests
• May negotiate treaties + international agreements before a politician approves them

Question 10

What is a new form of diplomacy in the 21st century?

Answer 10

Public diplomacy

- extended outreach to non-state actors e.g. NGOs, media + ordinary citizens

Question 11

What has been the impact of the global recession + globalisation on diplomacy?

Answer 11

• The global recession meant that many countries scaled back their diplomatic representation overseas
• Globalisation + advances in communication technology have connected billions of people
• Leaders can now communicate directly on matters of urgency + importance

Question 12

Why does diplomacy remain relevant in 21st century?

Answer 12

Diplomacy = as much about symbolism as substance

An embassy = a clear sign to host government of a commitment to deepening bilateral relations

A country with people on the ground = more accurate assessment of local opportunities, risks + developments -> a competitive advantage