[PEN-L:30131] Soft power ?

["Jurriaan Bendien" <j.bendien@xxxxxxxxxx>]

   The Paradox of American Power
Why the World's Only Superpower Can't Go It Alone
JOSEPH S. NYE, Jr.

What role should America play in the world? What key challenges face
us in the century to come, and how should we define our national
interests? These questions have been given electrifying new
significance in the wake of the terrorist attack of September 11,
2001.
Not since Rome has any nation had so much economic, cultural, and
military power, but that power is still not enough to solve global
problems like terrorism, environmental degradation, and the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction without involving other
nations. In The Paradox of American Power, Joseph S. Nye, Jr. focuses
on the rise of these and other new challenges and explains clearly why
America must adopt a more cooperative engagement with the rest of the
world.

The threat of terrorism, Nye argues, is merely the most alarming
example of why we must engage in constructive relations with other
nations weak and strong. Now more than ever, as technology spreads and
non-governmental organizations ranging from transnational corporations
to terrorists increase their power, American leadership must reorient
itself toward the global community. Further, for many key issues--from
international financial stability to drug smuggling and global climate
change to terrorism--military power alone cannot ensure success and at
times may undermine rather than enhance our objectives. Nye argues
convincingly that in the coming century the U.S. will rely less on our
military might and more on the power that derives from the appeal of
our culture, values and institutions, what he calls our "soft power."
But this soft power cannot flourish in a climate in which the U.S. is
viewed as selfish and motivated only by self-interest.

The Paradox of American Power contains the essential roadmap for
maintaining America's power and reducing its vulnerability in the
years to come. Sure to be controversial, it's a must read for anyone
wishing to understand the complicated world in which we suddenly find
ourselves.

"This elegantly constructed essay is about why an unrivalled military
and economic power still needs allies or partners, and why, as world
leader, America should rely also on the soft, persuasive kind of
power: the appeal of its values and culture."--The Economist

"This reasoned and timely essay on the uses of power makes a valuable
contribution to American public discourse."--Publishers Weekly

"Admirably compact...illuminating."--Christian Science Monitor

"Joseph Nye--consistently one of the wiser heads around--has produced,
yet again, a lucid, forceful critique of American foreign policy and a
sensible, far-sighted prescription for making American power more
palatable and more effective around the world. In the wake of
September 11, The Paradox of American Power could hardly be more
timely. It reflects Nye's multiple experiences in government as well
as his perspective as a scholar and thinker."--Strobe Talbott, Yale
University

"Joe Nye is one of the most astute observers of the changing nature of
international politics. His new book provides an excellent framework
for viewing U.S. role in the 21st century and especially after the
events of September 11."--Madeleine Albright

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Joseph S. Nye, Jr., Dean of the Kennedy School of Government at
Harvard, was Chairman of the National Intelligence Council and an
Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Clinton administration. A
frequent contributor to The New York Times, The Washington Post, and
The Wall Street Journal, he is the author several books, including
Governance in a Globalizing World and Bound to Lead: The Changing
Nature of American Power.