Soft Power
International Relation
- Coined by Joseph S. Nye, an American scholar.
- Defined as the ability to achieve desired outcomes through attraction or persuasion, not coercion.
- Works by co-opting others rather than compelling them.
Foundations of Soft Power
- Culture
- Becomes a soft power resource when it is admired internationally.
- Political Values
- Must be upheld consistently both domestically and globally.
- Foreign Policies
- Should have moral legitimacy and global acceptability.
Public Diplomacy & Soft Power
- Governments use public diplomacy to project soft power.
- It involves communicating with foreign publics, not just governments.
- Builds national image and international goodwill.
Hard Power vs Soft Power
| Aspect | Hard Power | Soft Power |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Coercive | Persuasive |
| Instruments | Military & Economic | Culture, values, diplomacy |
| Outcome | Immediate compliance | Long-term attraction & legitimacy |
| Target | Governments | People and public perception |
India’s Soft Power
1. Civilizational & Religious Heritage
- Birthplace of four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism.
- Home to other global religions: Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism.
- Promotes India as a pluralistic and tolerant society.
2. Buddhism as Diplomacy
- Leveraged for relations with South Asia, South East Asia, and SCO countries.
- Cultural linkages used as foreign policy bridge.
3. Yoga & Ayurveda
- Yoga Day (June 21) – UN recognition was a landmark soft power victory.
- Ayurveda gaining traction globally as an alternative health system.
4. Gandhian Philosophy
- Ahimsa, peace, and self-reliance – admired globally.
- Used in India’s image-building and diplomatic messaging.
5. Cricket Diplomacy
- Common love for cricket binds India with South Asian nations.
- Informal channel of cultural influence.
6. Indian Diaspora
- NRIs and PIOs serve as cultural ambassadors.
- Significant presence in USA, UK, Canada, Gulf, Africa etc.
- Helps in both cultural export and economic diplomacy.
7. Bollywood & Indian Cuisine
- Indian films have a huge market in Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, Eastern Europe.
- Indian cuisine and spices are globally popular and adapted.
8. Foreign Aid and Humanitarian Diplomacy
- Vaccine Maitri, disaster relief (Operation Sanjeevani, Operation SAGAR) strengthened India’s image.
- India offers development aid and Lines of Credit to small nations**.**
9. Education Diplomacy
- India is an education hub for students from Asia and Africa.
- ICCR scholarships and university collaborations support this soft power stream.
India’s Soft Power Initiatives
- Public Diplomacy Division in MEA (since 2006)
- “Incredible India” campaign by Ministry of Tourism
- Look East / Act East / Connect Central Asia policies
- ICCR – key cultural arm to spread India’s values and heritage
- Nalanda University revival as a civilizational project
- Project Mausam – Cultural connectivity through Indian Ocean linkages
- Soft Power Matrix – tool to quantify impact
Relevance of Neighbourhood in India’s Foreign Policy
Why Neighbourhood Matters
- A secure and cooperative neighbourhood is essential for regional leadership.
- Without regional primacy, global influence is hard to sustain.
- As Vajpayee said, “You can change your friends, not your neighbours.”
- PM Modi: “A nation’s destiny is linked to its neighbourhood.”
Evolution of India’s Neighbourhood Policy
Old Approach
- Expected reciprocity from neighbours in return for support
- Focused on strategic and security concerns
New Approach
- More non-reciprocal, generous, and proactive
- Focus on development partnerships, interdependence, regional stability
Policy Doctrines & Actions
- Gujral Doctrine – Non-reciprocal goodwill to neighbours
- Neighbourhood First Policy – Strategic shift under Modi govt
- SAARC outreach – SAARC leaders invited to 2014 swearing-in
- BIMSTEC focus – Invited for 2019 ceremony, signalling shift
- First visits to Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka – reaffirm neighbourhood priority
- SAARC COVID Fund – India-led initiative for pandemic relief
- Operation Sanjeevani / SAGAR – humanitarian efforts
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on Neighbourhood First
- India must:
- Lead as the biggest country
- Be non-reciprocal and generous
- Go the extra mile for neighbours’ development
- Ensure sensitivity to India’s security concerns
Conclusion
- India’s soft power and neighbourhood diplomacy are interconnected tools to build regional and global influence.
- Soft power complements hard power by shaping global narratives and promoting India’s moral leadership.
- A stable, secure and friendly neighbourhood is the foundation of India’s long-term strategic ambitions.
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Subject: International Relation
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