What is Sphere of Influence

Soft power is a term coined by Joseph Nye whereby, in addition to command and obedience, power is primarily shown in the ability to influence the behaviour and goals of the other side through non-military means. These means of getting other states to share one's own goals and values range from negotiating skills to the seductive power of economic success models to cultural offerings between the production of dreams and ideology. Nye defines it as when a state can get others to admire its ideals and want what they want, but it does not have to spend as much on rewards or threats to move them in their direction. Therefore, seduction is seen as more effective than coercion, and many values, such as democracy, human rights, and individual opportunities, become deeply seductive. This chapter explores the development of the notion of soft power in international politics.