During his lifetime, international relations scholar Joseph Nye’s idea of “soft power” was widely praised in China. But following his death earlier this week, scholars were cautious about his intellectual legacy, saying his policy influence was limited, and his attitude towards China had not been as friendly as some believed.
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Nye, a former dean of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a former US assistant secretary of defence, died on Tuesday at the age of 88.
The influential political scientist and policymaker – known for coining the term “soft power” – was one of Beijing’s favourite American academics, despite his sometimes outspoken criticism of Chinese leaders.
In contrast to hard power, such as weapons and economic sanctions, soft power includes values and culture, which can influence others and win their consent.
Beijing has not only embraced Nye’s concept of soft power, but has made numerous attempts to apply it in its foreign policy.
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Several Chinese leaders, especially President Xi Jinping, have stressed the concept, which has been the subject of countless articles and books by Chinese scholars and officials.