SOFT POWER SWOT ELEMENTS

 

Strengths:

 

   1) A complement to military power when used effectively;

 

   2) Involves many levels of citizenry in a cause;

 

   3) It's radiating whether we like it or not -- internet, TV, films, videos, books, magazines, newspapers

         reflecting American culture -- for better or for worse;

 

   4) Some history of success;

 

Weaknesses:

 

    1) Vague definitions subject to wide interpretation by both supporters and critics; lack of coherent policy;

 

    2) Many moving parts, difficult to coordinate -- Defense, State, Commerce, Education, Immigration

 

    3) Not likely to be effective when direct confrontation is necessary;

 

    4) Especially difficult to mobilize when dealing with unfamiliar cultures (e. g. Middle East, Far East);

 

    5) Inconsistency of underlying U. S. foreign policy over the years; case-by-case application; seen as hypocrisy by other peoples; used against us to further their aims;

 

            a) Examples, World Court, landmine treaties, nuclear disarmament preaching;

 

    6) Inherent belief systems -- sovereignty, democracy is the only solution, rule of law applies only where and when we want;

 

Threats going forward:

 

    1) Weakened U.S. economic position vs. rising nations;

 

            a) dependence on foreign lenders to finance our existence;

 

     2) World geopolitical changes: moving from unilateral decision making (superpower status) to multi-lateral (regional economic blocs, e. g. European Union, Mediterranean, Middle East, SE Asia, South America;

 

      3) Greatest perceived threat: with demise of communism has come rise of radical Islamic idealogy and organizations; U.S. has yet to come to grips with it; Middle East autocracies, built on mineral wealth, haven't felt compelled to meet public demands for adequate health care, education, jobs;

 

      4) Low public esteem toward U.S. in many former friendly countries;

 

       5) Vast increase in sources of advocacy positions by others;

 

       6) If policy and diplomacy don't match, soft power will be quickly undermined;

 

 

 

Opportunities:

 

      1) Rebuild trust with leaders of those offended countries where possible;

 

      2) Invest more in public diplomacy

 

              a. teach Arabic language, customs, culture in college courses;

 

               b. translate U.S.media/internet programs to Arabic;

 

               c. increase intake of Arabic college students;

 

               d. train more U.S. communications specialists in Arabic;

 

               e. form closer business ties with Arabic business organizations

 

      3) Other ideas (from group):