In International Relations theories and glossary, one can find a term called “Soft Power”. This term means the ability of one state to affect politically another’s behavior or interests through ideological or culture means. In other words this kind of power means to achieve what is needed for the interest of one state through others policy or interests peacefully; spreading a culture or an ideology that attracts the other side to follow and join the policy of the leading state.

            The United States of America was known as the most leading country in owning “Soft Power” to influence other countries until the Afghanistan and Iraqi War. In the Vietnam War the American Soft Power was also affected but was reinforced through hard work and a lot of efforts. To make it clearer One should understand what exactly are the ideas that can help hegemony like the United States in applying Soft Power on other countries.

            Soft Power depends on the reputation of the State in the International community, its beliefs that it wants others to believe in, and its ability to join as much countries as it can to follow. The basis of the American Soft Power was built on the American dream of a better democratic world which gives the right for anyone who believes in peace to live freely, enjoy a good life, be given all his/her rights, and live according to the democratic laws.

            Under the former American President Bush’s administration, the United States lost its Soft Power because it lost its credibility, did not gain the support of the International community in its war on Iraq, and created a kind of hatred within the third world countries because of the failure in improving their lives, bringing the American dream into their communities, and also what was consider as an American exploitation of their resources and governments only for the sake of America’s Interests.

            President Barack Obama succeeded in changing the view eventhough it was hard to make such a change from the beginning; his character, his race, and his rhetoric speeches supported him in sending a message that convinced not only the Americans, but many other people around the world that change will come and dreams can become true. The people were so desperate to hear someone who is promising them to get them out of their Economical crisis, their fears, and of course promise them to live the American dream of freedom and opportunities.

            Soft Power has an effect which is better more than the use of hard power because it is a use of ideology and a certain culture to influence other states instead of using force and economical penalties. The first gift that President Obama gave to America was the reviving of the American Soft Power by using his talent in addressing promising speeches not only to the Americans but the whole world. President Obama said in his inauguration speech that America is the friend of everyone who wants to live in Peace and democracy staring from his father’s small village in Africa and ending all around the world.

            This gift that President Obama gave to his country is a blessing because it always used to be a supportive element in keeping America hegemony in the world. The question is whether Obama will succeed to keep this power by translating his words into actions for the benefit of America and the world, or he will follow his former American presidents and keep this Soft Power only as an interest for the benefit of America.

Ziad Khalil Abu Zayyad

A Palestinian-Arab living in East Jerusalem, Ziad graduated from College Des Freres in Jerusalem in 2003. Ziad finished his major in International Relations and English Literature from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ziad is a former President of the Watan student movement at the university. He is interested in Middle Eastern political issues and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Founder of the Middle East Post and MEL (Middle East Future Leadership Network), he represents Palestinian youth at several international conferences.

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