The Interplay of Soft Power and Sharp Power in Sport Diplomacy: A Conceptual Framework

Santos, Niedja de Andrade e Silva Forte dos

doi:10.1080/24704067.2021.1952092

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Soft power has emerged as a key concept in contemporary diplomacy, with scholars and policymakers recognizing the importance of non-coercive means of influence in achieving foreign policy objectives (Melissen, 2005, p. 50). Joseph Nye, a prominent scholar of international relations, defined soft power as "the ability to get what you want through attraction rather than coercion or payment" (Santos, 2021, Nye, 2004. Soft power is rooted in a country's culture, values, and institutions, and even religion (Haynes, 2022) that it can be used to influence others through means such as diplomacy, aid, education, and media.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Soft Power in Contemporary Diplomacy

Saaida¹

2023

Int. J. Res. Publ. Rev.

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This study aims to investigate the role of soft power in contemporary diplomacy, which is a contentious issue in academic and policy communities. Soft power, which is the ability to influence others through attraction rather than coercion, is a crucial tool for achieving desired outcomes in foreign policy. However, the effectiveness of soft power is debated, and some argue that hard power is more effective. The study employs a qualitative approach, using the descriptive method to gather and analyze data on how soft power is utilized in diplomatic relations. Soft power is found to be interdependent with various fields within international relations, including economics, education, media, and diplomacy, making it a complex topic to investigate. A comprehensive understanding of the complexity of contemporary diplomacy and the role of soft power is essential for promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the international system. The research concludes that the strategic use of soft power, in conjunction with other approaches, is essential for achieving desired outcomes in foreign policy. The effectiveness of soft power is dependent on the credibility and attractiveness of a country's culture, values, and foreign policies. Proper utilization of soft power can build trust and goodwill, enhance influence, and achieve foreign policy objectives. The study recommends a balanced approach that incorporates both soft and hard power strategies to ensure security and protect strategic interests. It is important to invest in fruitful programs such as education and cultural exchange programs, promote economic development and cooperation, and use public diplomacy to engage with the public and build positive perceptions of the country. Continuous evaluation and adjustment of the use of soft power are necessary to achieve desired outcomes in foreign policy.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Soft Power in Contemporary Diplomacy

Saaida¹

2023

Int. J. Res. Publ. Rev.

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“…The need for conceptual refinement has grown due to the large number of studies of the way in which sport events are used to symbolize the attractive values and imagery of a host nation, in both emerging and developed states, for internal and external soft power purposes. Sport events have become media-driven, commercial and strategic mechanisms through which states may channel "brand-building" exercises domestically and/or in the geopolitical arena (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A figurational approach to soft power and sport events. The case of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

Næss

2023

Front. Sports Act. Living

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Soft power' is a term often used to explain how states seek to be appealing and attractive to others to increase their geopolitical influence instead of using military force or economic threats. As part of a soft power agenda, sport events showcase the values, culture and imagery of a host nation, and through that, ideally, attract investors, tourists and attention. But there are problems with the concept, especially when it is adopted by sport events where it is used as a metaphor, as a heuristic device, and a descriptor of current affairs, to name a few. In particular, the concept does not necessarily capture the accumulation of tit-for-tat strategies and bargaining in geopolitics where sport events are involved. In contrast, by using the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ as key example and drawing upon Norbert Elias' figurational sociology as source of theoretical refinement, this article discusses how soft power can become more precise as an analytical category in a context of sport and geopolitics.

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