This book explores the role of soft power in US foreign policy - past, present, and future. Bringing together a diverse group of leading international scholars and practitioners, it combines conceptual contributions to soft power research with empirical studies examining the state and significance of US soft power. In so doing, the volume discusses in particular the first year of Joseph R. Biden in the White House. While the Trump administration severely damaged US reputation abroad, President Biden made clear his intention to drastically change the United States' outlook on the world from an early point in his presidency and to take first steps on the road to soft power recovery.
Soft power and the future of US foreign policy addresses vital issue areas, including terrorism threats, foreign economic policy and cultural diplomacy, as well as crucial foreign bilateral relations - including Sino-American, Russian-American and transatlantic relations - from a soft power perspective. It offers an early assessment of Biden's first year in office as well as future perspectives and recommendations regarding the role of soft power in US foreign policy.
Consequently, the volume provides an essential and unique compendium - for students, scholars and practitioners alike - on how soft power informs US foreign policy and diplomatic practice today and in years to come.