Joseph Nye Presentation

Jas Elmer

Professor Dylan Craig

SIS 105-001H

September 11, 2011

 There is a reason why China has not surpassed the United States and became the next super power, the reason being they do not have any soft power. Without soft power it is difficult for countries to establish relations with those in their region and other states worldwide with which they trade or have diplomatic relations. The United States has a great deal of soft power. Many people speak with Americans or watch Hollywood movies. This increases our soft power because viewers desire what they see in American films: the different rights, privileges and advantages which we have. On the other hand, it can be argued that China has very weak soft power.

China’s lack of soft power is highlighted by the weakening relations between China and its neighbors. As China has gained power many other Asian countries, including Japan and Korea, have become closer to the United States and more distant from China. Recently, China has realized its need for soft power and has been investing billions in an attempt to improve their public image. However, due to governmental restrictions and previous reputations it has proved difficult for China to drastically change the view which others have upon them. Another indicator of their lack of soft power is their standard of living.

GDP is a huge identifier in economic power. Nye acknowledged that China is going to have the biggest GDP and therefore the biggest economy. However, with a population of 1.3 billion he also pointed out that their GDP per capita is quite low, especially compared to other economic super powers. Having a lower GDP per capita means that the standard of living in China is not as high, making it difficult for China to become the next super power.

One could come to the conclusion that in order to become the next super power a state would simply need to hold more economic and military power than other states and gaining soft power, although it would make diplomatic relations easier, would be irrelevant. Without the need for soft power it would make it possible for China to become the next super power. However, by applying Joseph Nye’s theory to this case it becomes apparent that soft power is crucial in becoming a world power.

According to Nye there are three types of power: aggressive militaristic power, giving rewards to people or states when they demonstrate desirable behaviors and soft power. Soft power is persuading others to want the same things you want. In Nye’s opinion this is the most desirable kind of power, this is because having soft power saves a state’s money because they do not need to budget for military attacks or rewards. Also having soft power is not as invasive, states do not feel like they are being controlled as they do with the two other types of power which leads to better relations in between states.

            Relationships are becoming increasingly important as the world becomes more globalized and more states are becoming rising economic and political powers. Many of these rising powers are eastern states. Therefore as more states such as China, India and Brazil emerge the idea of western power is slowly dissolving. Additionally as more states emerge as powers, diplomatic relations and soft power become more important because it is harder for one state to control others by military means. This means that in order for a country to become a power they need to have a firm grasp on soft power not only among western states but all over the world.

            China’s strained relations among countries is one of the major reasons they will have trouble becoming the next super power. Without being able to form strong relations with local countries it will be difficult for China to form worldwide relations. This will be especially difficult if those countries which are not on good terms with China form alliances with the United States, thus making the United States stronger and China weaker. Also without having a higher standard of living states will be weary to support their endeavors and will not try to mimic China’s domestic policy because they will not want to have a similar standard of living.

Nye’s presentation was valuable because it gave a chance for people, especially new students, to gain exposure to international relations concepts and vocabulary. He also went into depth about current changes in the distribution of power and his idea of soft power. Additionally, his presentation provided an international relations specialist’s opinion on the issue between China and the United States, offering an educated viewpoint which can be difficult to identify in our media.  Nye’s presentation was beneficial for students and encouraged them to continue or begin thinking in terms of international relations.