Modern Theoretical and Conceptual Approaches to the Study of Soft Power

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in studying soft power, as the concept has become increasingly relevant in the international arena. This paper provides a comparative analysis of modern theoretical and conceptual approaches to the study of soft power. Despite its popularity, which grew due to the interconnectedness of states in a globalized world, nevertheless, conceptual and theoretical improvement, as well as the criticism of the concept of soft power, require a new comprehensive analysis of “soft power” in the theory of international relations. Drawing on a range of literature from political science, international relations, and sociology, the paper examines key theoretical frameworks and conceptual definitions of soft power. Overall, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field and offers insights into the challenges and opportunities facing scholars and practitioners studying soft power. Thus, the article examines the problematic nature of the concept of “attractiveness” as a central term in the understanding of soft power. It is the insufficient conceptual development of this concept in the field of international relations that is the reason for the slow development of the concept. In addition, the article presents the main approaches to the operationalization of the concept and proposes additions to it. Special attention is paid to understanding soft power through the prism of liberal, realistic and constructivist approaches. In addition, the features of the actor-centered approach in the study of specific cases of the use of soft power are analyzed. The last aspect presented in the article is the relationship between soft and hard power. It has been proven that soft power can have the characteristics and effects of hard power, and cases where hard power is used can have a soft effect on other actors.