Tag

Soft Power

All articles tagged with #soft power

world21 days ago•10 min saved

Global Image in Flux: Switzerland and Canada Lead Public Opinion as the U.S. Slips

Public opinion data from the Democracy Perception Index 2026 ranks 65 countries by net perception, with Switzerland and Canada at +36 and the United States at -16, Israel at -24, and Europe dominating the top ranks; a separate Gallup-based survey of 45 countries shows Israel and Nigeria at 83% favorable views of America, while nine of the ten lowest favors come from Western allies, underscoring shifting global views and the importance of soft power.

via Visual Capitalist|

#democracy-perception-index #gallup #global-perception

world27 days ago•25 min saved

World Cup 2026: Soft Power and Security Take Center Stage

World Cup 2026 coverage depicts the tournament as a global diplomacy stage, with nations using the event to showcase soft power, promote tourism, and coordinate security. Highlights include New Zealand’s LA-based diplomatic push, Iran’s travel restrictions, Spain’s tensions with Trump over Iran and geopolitical issues, Japan’s embassy watch-party for cultural outreach, Croatia’s tourism and celebrity-backed branding, and Curaçao’s inclusion in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The U.S. relies on a sprawling network of command centers from New York to Arlington to manage security, while visa decisions and local costs spur debates about the tournament’s broader impact.

via Politico|

#diplomacy #soft-power #visas

world1 month ago•14 min saved

US tourism slump signals soft-power setback amid political divisions

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.

via CNN|

#brand-usa #international-travel #soft-power

geopolitics2 months ago•19 min saved

China’s Window to Shape a Post-Trump World Slips

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.

via Foreign Affairs|

#china #diplomacy #geopolitics

world2 months ago•3 min saved

Ask Jeeves Fades, Signaling Britain’s Soft-Power Decline

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.

via UnHerd|

#ask-jeeves #askcom #soft-power

world2 months ago•6 min saved

A Bell, a Balance: Charles’s Soft-Power Masterclass in Washington

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.

via The Guardian|

#donald-trump #king-charles-iii #soft-power

business2 months ago•30 min saved

Saudi Arabia’s Hollywood Gambit: Billions, Soft Power, and Global Influence

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.

via The Hollywood Reporter|

#business #hollywood #paramount-warners-merger

business4 months ago•20 min saved

Gulf Money Fuels Hollywood Megadeal, Sparking Soft-Power Debate

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.

via Variety|

#business #gulf-sovereign-funds #media-independence

world4 months ago•7 min saved

Chinamaxxing: Western youth chase Chinese aesthetics as Beijing flexes soft power

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.

via CNN|

#chinamaxxing #cultural-exchange #soft-power

world4 months ago•8 min saved

Chinamaxxing: TikTok’s Western fad reshaping China’s soft power

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.

via BBC|

#china #chinamaxxing #soft-power

business5 months ago•1 min saved

Doha Debuts as Gulf Art Hub Amid Western Slump

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.

via The New York Times|

#art-basel-qatar #art-fair #business

world8 months ago•2 min saved

India Boosts Aid and Influence Amid Afghanistan Earthquake Crisis

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.

via Reuters|

#afghanistan #china #earthquake

world9 months ago•6 min saved

Saudi Arabia Gains Soft Power Through $55 Billion EA Acquisition

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.

via The Ringer|

#ea-acquisition #gaming-industry #geopolitics

business9 months ago•6 min saved

Saudi Arabia's $55 Billion Acquisition of EA: A Game-Changer in the Industry

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.

via BBC|

#business #ea-acquisition #gaming-industry

world10 months ago•5 min saved

King Charles Prepares for Trump’s State Visit Amid Security and Trade Hopes

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.

via AP News|

#british-monarchy #soft-power #state-banquet