What constitutes 'smart power' in international relations?

Smart power' in international relations refers to the strategic use of both hard power and soft power to achieve foreign policy goals.

In a more detailed context, smart power is a concept that was developed by Joseph Nye, a renowned political scientist. It is a strategy that combines the elements of both hard power, which includes military force and economic sanctions, and soft power, which involves diplomacy, cultural influence, and the promotion of values, to achieve foreign policy objectives. The idea is to use the right mix of these tools in a way that is most effective in a given situation.

The concept of smart power emerged as a response to the limitations of relying solely on hard power or soft power. Hard power, while effective in some situations, can often lead to resentment and backlash. On the other hand, soft power alone may not be sufficient to deter aggression or compel other states to act in a certain way. Therefore, smart power advocates for a balanced approach that uses both hard and soft power in a complementary manner.

For instance, a country might use hard power to deter aggression or to protect its interests, while simultaneously using soft power to build alliances, win hearts and minds, and promote its values abroad. This approach can be more effective than relying on hard power alone, as it can help to build legitimacy and reduce the likelihood of resistance.

In essence, smart power is about being flexible and adaptable. It recognises that different situations require different tools and strategies. It also acknowledges that the international system is complex and that states need to be able to use all the tools at their disposal in a strategic and thoughtful way to navigate this complexity and achieve their foreign policy goals.