Joseph Nye, former Harvard professor and senior US policymaker, explained how nations gain influence beyond military and economic strength. His ideas on soft power remain central to debates on US foreign policy, especially amid criticism of hardline approaches under leaders like Donald Trump.

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•  Joseph Nye died at age 88 on May 6, 2025
•  Served in Carter and Clinton administrations
•  Coined concept of soft power in global politics
•  Defined power as attraction, not coercion
•  Culture, values, institutions key soft power tools
•  Challenged realist, military-first foreign policy thinking
•  Developed ideas of neoliberalism and smart power
•  Believed legitimacy boosts long-term global influence
•  Warned overuse of force weakens US leadership
• His ideas contrast with Trump-era hard power focus