Joseph Nye, a leading American political thinker, passed away on May 6 at age 88. He reshaped how power is understood in international relations. His concept of “soft power” stressed influence through attraction, values, and ideas, not force.

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•  Joseph Nye died on May 6, aged 88
•  Renowned scholar of international relations
•  Served in Carter and Clinton administrations
•  Coined the concept of “soft power”
•  Soft power based on values, culture, legitimacy
• Influence beyond military and economic strength
•  Challenged realist dominance in foreign policy
• Also developed smart power and complex interdependence
•  Shaped modern US foreign policy thinking
•  Ideas contrast with force-driven leadership styles