Joseph Nye, a career diplomat and a distinguished contributor to the effectiveness of foreign policies recognizes the need for both the use of hard and soft power in different situations. The complexity of situation facing various countries requires a multi-dimensional approach, mostly the use of complementary resolution. Smart power involves a combination of both the hard and soft power. To build effective strategies, we need smart power since it provides a viable opportunity to employ both diplomatic persuasions as well as physical influence.
The formation of effective strategies necessitates the use of diplomatic persuasion, a strategy which is less damaging and leads to quality relationships between various parties. The rationale for this is that soft power requires the involved parties to understand the needs of each other (Nye, 2009). However, in some situations, the intention of the parties in a disagreement might not be founded on goodwill, and the knowledge that dominant party can exploit its hard power complements the persuasion efforts.
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Also , power involves influencing individuals towards a given direction and strategies can be more efficient i f they are based on soft power. The recipients of control have different backgrounds and motives as well as a perception of the individuals exercising power. Through communication skills and empathy, an individual can convince a target group to adhere to a given behavior (Gallarotti, 2015). However, it is noteworthy that in a group, there are outlying behaviors that may require the use of punitive actions and sanctions to ensure that the parties comply with the recommended actions.
Conclusively, we need soft power in making effective strategies since it allows both persuasion and influence. Different situations require understanding the needs of the parties and the implications of actions aimed at creating a control . Smart power guides such decision, especially in an era when making strong social and economic bonds, is necessary. The knowledge that a dominant party can exercise hard power on will or provocation prompts respect, and on the other hand, the realization that less powerful parties have dire social needs results in the use of considerate, smart power.
References
Gallarotti, G. M. (2015). Smart power: definitions, importance, and effectiveness. Journal of Strategic Studies , 38 (3), 245-281.
Nye Jr, J. S. (2009). Get smart: Combining hard and soft power. Foreign Affairs , 160-163.
