The article discusses the concept of 'soft power', as defined by political scientist Joseph Nye, emphasizing its significance in the United States' global influence. While highlighting the military and economic capabilities of China and Russia, it asserts that they lack the global persuasion and benevolence exhibited by the U.S. The author argues that America's historical commitment to altruism and support for international norms has helped it become a uniquely beneficent superpower, fostering hope globally and constraining its own power in the process.
Soft power helps to explain why the United States has military bases in at least 80 countries, why the dollar has become the international reserve currency and why English has become the global language of business and diplomacy.
The United States has been a uniquely beneficent superpower... it also has a long history of altruism... [it has] supported international norms and institutions that, to some extent, constrain its own power.
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