All articles tagged with #soft power
International tourism to the United States fell by about 4 million in 2025, cutting more than $8 billion in spending as presidential rhetoric and policy confusion fed a perception of dysfunction; the drop was driven largely by Canadians, with a slow recovery expected, and experts warn it weakens US soft power. Recovery to pre-pandemic levels isn’t seen until 2029 unless Brand USA is funded and messaging is stabilized.
Shambaugh and Jackson argue that Trump’s 2025 return has created a global strategic vacuum for Beijing to fill, but China’s gains remain uneven across regions. It commands broad diplomatic reach and massive economic leverage, yet lacks durable alliances and a universally appealing model, leaving many countries hedging their bets between Washington and Beijing. Europe remains wary, Africa and Latin America show both opportunity and pushback over neocolonial perceptions, and Southeast Asia is cautious despite strong trade ties. Even with a potential Xi–Trump summit, a decisive shift in global power is unlikely; the world looks more multipolar and characterized by hedging than a clean U.S.–China bipolar order.
The shuttering of Ask.com, once powered by the Jeeves persona, is depicted as a symbol of Britain’s waning cultural influence; the article notes howAsk Jeeves’ nostalgic appeal reflects a world where Englishness and class-based imagery no longer anchor tech brands, and argues that the UK’s political and military clout has diminished since the 1990s, complicating the transatlantic relationship as global audiences shift toward zero-context, language-model driven platforms.
Charles III’s US trip is seen as a deft soft-power maneuver: complimenting Trump while signaling limits on Trumpism, strengthening the UK–US relationship even as critics note Britain’s monarchy has its own controversies.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and other Gulf wealth are pouring billions into Hollywood—including roughly $12 billion of a $24 billion Paramount-Skydance-Warner Bros. Discovery investment—to gain IP access, shore up Washington influence, and build a domestic entertainment engine, while pursuing other deals like EA. The strategy aims at soft power and economic diversification, but faces governance questions, cost overruns, and geopolitical risks that could affect execution and regional stability.
Paramount Global's planned $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery is backed by $24 billion from Gulf sovereign funds (Saudi PIF, Abu Dhabi’s L’imad, and Qatar Investment Authority), a move that signals Gulf states’ aim to diversify and expand influence in global media. While officials say investors won’t gain governance rights, analysts warn the scale could still translate into influence over strategy and editorial decisions for properties like CNN and HBO, prompting regulatory and geopolitical scrutiny as Hollywood’s landscape shifts.
The piece analyzes the viral trend of “Chinamaxxing,” where Western youths imitate Chinese routines, fashion, and tech, viewing China as increasingly cool. Experts say it reflects growing curiosity about China amid geopolitical tensions, a shift in American perception, and broader exposure via social media, though it may be more about aesthetics and curiosity than lasting political change.
TikTok’s ‘Chinamaxxing’ trend sees Western users embracing Chinese wellness practices and culture, boosting China’s soft power as state media celebrate the shift, while experts warn the craze glosses over real-world issues like unemployment and censorship and doesn’t capture the full complexity of modern Chinese life.
Art Basel is launching its first Qatar fair in Doha, featuring 87 exhibitors from 31 countries, with VIP previews before public days, highlighting the Gulf’s growing role in the global art market as Western markets slow.
India is increasing aid and diplomatic efforts in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan following a devastating earthquake, aiming to build goodwill and counter China's influence, as both countries seek to deepen engagement with the Taliban amidst regional tensions and humanitarian needs.
Saudi Arabia, through a consortium including the Public Investment Fund and brokered by Jared Kushner, has acquired Electronic Arts for $55 billion, marking a significant cultural and geopolitical move to expand its soft power via investments in sports, entertainment, and gaming, amidst ongoing debates about ethics and influence in global culture.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is acquiring EA for $55 billion, a move seen as part of its strategy to enhance soft power and diversify its economy beyond oil, with significant implications for the gaming industry and geopolitical influence.
Windsor Castle is preparing for U.S. President Donald Trump's second state visit to Britain, a event showcasing royal pomp and ceremony aimed at strengthening UK-US relations amid complex geopolitical issues. The visit includes traditional ceremonies, a state banquet, and discussions on trade and security, highlighting the monarchy's role as a tool of soft power to foster diplomatic ties.
A new wave of Chinese restaurants is expanding globally, especially in Singapore, showcasing the country's diverse culinary traditions beyond stereotypes, and serving as a form of soft power to improve China's international image amidst geopolitical tensions.
China is leveraging open-source AI models like DeepSeek R1 and Moonshot AI's Kimi K2 to expand its global influence and challenge U.S. dominance in AI, using soft power strategies that promote accessibility and customization, especially in developing countries. The U.S. must adapt by fostering open AI ecosystems and recalibrating export controls to maintain its leadership and influence in the evolving AI landscape.