Joseph Nye, a prominent political scientist and former US policymaker known for coining “soft power,” passed away at 88, as announced by Harvard University on Wednesday. This idea, about a nation gaining influence through attractiveness, was dismissed by former President Donald Trump.
Nye joined Harvard’s faculty in 1964 and had notable roles, including serving as dean of the Harvard Kennedy School and advising Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.
As a neoliberal thinker, he published 14 books and over 200 academic articles, covering diverse subjects like arms control and pan-Africanism. However, he is most recognized for introducing “soft power” in the late 1980s.
This concept contrasts with “hard power,” which relies on military force and sanctions. Instead, soft power leverages culture and values to gain influence.
Nye articulated this in a 2004 book, emphasizing the importance of making others desire the outcomes you pursue rather than resorting to coercion. He noted historical examples, like Franklin Roosevelt’s “good neighbor policy” versus the Soviet Union’s destructive actions in Eastern Europe, to illustrate how soft power could enhance influence.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has sought to diminish US soft power by increasing military spending, cutting foreign aid, and restricting international student access.
In a response to AFP in February, Nye commented on Trump’s approach, stating, “He doesn’t really grasp the concept of power, focusing instead on enforcement and payments.” He pointed out that while hard enforcement might yield short-term gains, it can foster long-term issues, diminishing dependence on the US.
He acknowledged that the US’s success has historically depended on its appeal, though he noted that soft power has experienced fluctuations, like during the Vietnam War’s unpopularity.
Nye speculated that while there might be a recovery of soft power post-Trump, it would take a hit under his administration.
Though focused on soft power, Nye recognized its limitations. He once remarked in a book that simply offering wine and cheese wouldn’t ensure favor in France, nor would a popular game like Pokemon alone drive Japan’s policy goals.
If John Kelly had won the presidency in 2004, Nye was viewed as a potential national security advisor. He was especially engaged with Japan, where President Barack Obama considered him for an ambassadorial role.
In 2010, he used the New York Times opinion section to critique some Obama administration strategies, advocating for a more patient approach with Japan rather than a confrontational one.
Much of Nye’s governmental work centered on nuclear policy. He believed that the threat posed by nuclear weapons might have prevented major conflicts like World War I, yet the proliferation of these arms post-Cold War has introduced new risks.
Harvard scholar Graham Allison remarked that Nye took pride in his efforts to prevent nuclear conflict during his time in the Carter and Clinton administrations.
