Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics

Global Affairs Distinguished Lecturer Series
Thursday, April 22
6:30 – 8 pm

Read the Event Summary.

Hard power–the use of America’s military and economic strength–forms the core of the Bush administration’s new national security strategy. But according to Joseph Nye, some who advise the president are making a major miscalculation. They focus too heavily on using America’s military power to force other nations to do our will, and pay too little heed to soft power. Soft power, a term Dr. Nye coined in the late 1980s, refers to a country’s power to attract and persuade through its culture, political ideals and policies. In his new book, Soft Power, Nye argues it is America’s soft power that will help us cope with terrorism and other critical global issues that require multilateral cooperation among states. Join the author of bestseller The Paradox of American Power for a lively discussion of his new book.

Followed by a booksigning and reception.

Speaker
Joseph S. Nye Jr., Dean, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

Presider
Carol Gluck, George Sansom Professor of History, Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University

Admission: Corporate members are entitled to a designated number of free admissions to this event, based on their company’s current membership level, and can order tickets by contacting Ellie Montazeri at (212) 715-1247 or [email protected]. These reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the event. Additional corporate members and individual members pay the discounted rate of $8. Nonmembers: $10; students & seniors $5.