Articles · Vol. 2 No. 4 (2026)
THE CONCEPT OF “SOFT POWER” IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (USING SAUDI ARABIA AS AN EXAMPLE)
Keywords
Soft power Saudi Arabia Joseph Nye constructivism public diplomacy media diplomacyAbstract
The article scientifically analyzes the concept of “soft power” based
on Joseph S. Nye Jr. theory and substantiates its difference from traditional power
concepts. Also, a comparative analysis is carried out with the realistic approach of
Hans J. Morgenthau and Kenneth N. Waltz. The study examines the mechanisms of
international influence through culture, religious factors, and media diplomacy using
the example of Saudi Arabia. As a result, it is scientifically concluded that “soft power”
is an important theoretical and practical tool for increasing the authority of states in
the international arena.
Downloads
References
1. Nye, J. S. (1990). Bound to Lead: The Changing Nature of American Power. Basic Books. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/2151022
2. Nye, J. S. (2004). Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics. Public Affairs.
3. Henderson, S. (2018). Saudi Arabia’s New Public Diplomacy. The Washington Institute for
Near East Policy.
4. Kurlantzick, J. (2007). Charm Offensive: How China’s Soft Power Is Transforming the
World. Yale University Press.
5. Cull, N. J. (2009). Public Diplomacy: Lessons from the Past. Figueroa Press.
6. Gilboa, E. (2008). Searching for a Theory of Public Diplomacy. The ANNALS of the DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0002716207312142
American Academy of Political and Social Science, 616(1), 55-77.
7. Anholt, S. (2007). Competitive Identity: The New Brand Management for Nations, Cities DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230627727
and Regions. Palgrave Macmillan.
8. Fan, Y. (2010). Branding the nation: What is being branded? Journal of Vacation Marketing,
16(1), 5-14.
9. Nossel, S. (2004). Smart Power. Foreign Affairs, 83(2), 131–142. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/20033907