Soft power refers to the ability of a country to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or force. This influence comes from a country’s culture, political values, and diplomacy.

For instance, the United States has long wielded soft power through its media, education system, and promotion of democratic values, while China is increasingly using initiatives like the Confucius Institutes and global media outlets to improve its image abroad. Soft power is considered a complement to hard power, which involves military or economic force, making it a critical tool in modern international relations.