The Significance of Soft Power - Essay Example

Soft power recognizes the relationship between ability and the appeal to influence others on matters regarding global relations. However, this assumption poses two critical problems. The first problem is that a country has diverse individuals who can either choose to like the attraction or not. In addition, whether the appeal will result in the capacity to influence the country’s policy depends on the groups in the country who deem it attractive and not forget. In addition, the level of authority in policymaking is equally important. Secondly, policymaking at the national level proves to be more intricate compared to the personal level.

It has diverse dynamics that emphasize mainly coherent deliberations (Fan 150). The situation gives little space for emotional elements and consequently minimizes the soft power effect. Fan (150) affirms that since soft power proves to be both uncontrollable and impulsive, it would be difficult to exercise it in an organized and synchronized manner. Soft power implies the ability to shape the inclination of others. Whether power can operate effectively at the state level will remain questionable.

This is true because soft power exercised by a certain country may have a positive impact on the partisan elite and have an undesirable influence on the public in another country (Szczudlik 46). Several complicating factors are responsible for shaping the association among countries. The situation leaves soft power playing a minimal role in such a relationship. Ultimately, strategic interests determine the relationship between countries as opposed to soft power. In addition, one cannot envision a country having enormous soft power without the backup of hard power.

It is not strange that the United States is a superpower that possesses immense hard and soft power. The situation implies that countries may share a common agenda or cultural affiliations and still create some form of distance regarding matters of national relationships. The association between China and Japan proves to be a good example to attest to this occurrence. Szczudlik (46) argues that regardless of the historical cultural affiliations and latest economic ties, the animosity and hostility amid these bordering countries remain unaltered.

Japan being a cultural superpower based on cultural export boasts of more soft power resources compared to any Asian country. However, there has been no equivalent perceived appeal in the area. In addition, America’s predicament in areas such as Afghanistan and Iraq illustrates a perfect lesson. It is naïve to believe that the west can administer its democratic style to other countries. Consequently, America’s soft power brewed increased resentment and anti-Americanism, which is attributable to soft power.