Journal of Public Diplomacy

The Korean Association for Public Diplomacy (한국공공외교학회)
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Rethinking Soft Power from the Power Recipient's Perspective: Voluntary Compliance is the Key

  • Kadir Jun Ayhan (Ewha Womans University)
  • Published : 2023.07.31
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Abstract

In this editorial, I build on my recent article (Ayhan, 2023) to explain three ideal types of power recipients' compliance with power wielders' desires: fear-, appetite-, and spirit-based compliance. Soft power is often conflated with fear- or appetite-based compliance, but it is actually present when power recipients comply voluntarily with power wielders while maintaining their sense of esteem and agency. Habit is the hardened effects of soft power. It comes into play when voluntary compliance becomes commonsense and habitual, although this compliance could initially rest on fear or appetite. I illustrate the ideal types with a case study of regional actors' motives for compliance with China-centric hierarchical order in historic East Asia.

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References

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