2025 Winning Essay – Lily Michaellides

Take a look at one of this year’s winning entries to the Immerse Education Essay Competition from the International relations category.

Congratulations to all participants and in particular to those who have won 100% scholarships!

How Do Countries Use Economic and Cultural Influence (Soft Power) to Achieve Political Goals?

by Lily M

Soft power is the art of subtle persuasion—a nation’s ability to shape preferences and achieve political goals through allure rather than force. Coined by Joseph Nye, the concept embodies the strategic use of cultural magnetism and economic leverage to inspire trust, goodwill, and influence. This essay delves into the intricacy of soft power, examining its nuances, contradictions, and transformative potential in global politics.

Economic soft power operates like a double-edged sword: it offers opportunity but can bind recipients in invisible chains of dependency. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a colossal infrastructure investment spanning over 140 countries, exemplifies this dichotomy. While promoting connectivity, the BRI has sparked accusations of “debt diplomacy.” In 2017, Sri Lanka ceded control of Hambantota Port to China after struggling to repay loans (Weerasinghe, 2019). Kenya, too, has wrestled with rising debt tied to Chinese funding, igniting debates over sovereignty (Okoth, 2020). Yet, soft power need not always inspire suspicion. The European Union’s trade agreements champion shared values and cooperative governance, weaving a tapestry of political and economic alliances (Smith, 2021). This contrast underscores the fine line between empowerment and entanglement in economic diplomacy. 

Cultural diplomacy, by contrast, is a symphony of creative expression, wielding art, education, and entertainment to captivate audiences. South Korea’s “Hallyu Wave”—a cultural phenomenon powered by K-pop, cinema, and fashion—has catapulted the nation into global consciousness. Beyond pop culture, it has deepened ties with Southeast Asia, fostering tourism and collaboration. Similarly, Germany’s Goethe-Institut and the UK’s British Council act as cultural beacons, exporting values of innovation and inclusivity to cultivate lasting connections. Finland’s globally admired education system paints a portrait of impartiality, elevating its standing in discussions on global governance. These initiatives illustrate how cultural diplomacy transforms perception into persuasion, indelibly marking on hearts and minds.

Soft power, like a finely tuned instrument, can falter if played insincerely. Economic strategies perceived as exploitative can breed distrust, as seen in criticisms of China’s BRI for deepening inequality. Cultural dominance, too, has its pitfalls. The ubiquity of American media, often branded as “cultural imperialism,” has provoked resistance from communities striving to preserve their identities (Tomlinson, 1991). Moreover, soft power that devolves into propaganda risks alienating its audience. A 2021 Gallup survey revealed declining global trust in the United States, underscoring the fragility of influence when credibility wavers (Gallup, 2021). Soft power resonates when it balances ambition with authentic engagement.

History offers vivid representation of soft power in action. During the Cold War, the United States harnessed Hollywood, and the Space Race to project a narrative of freedom and innovation, countering Soviet ideologies. Post-war Japan, alternatively, reinvented its image through anime, and cuisine, presenting itself as a hub of creativity and resilience (Davis Yamamoto, 2018). These stories reveal soft power’s ability to shape perceptions, forge alliances, and transcend traditional forms of dominance.

Ultimately, soft power is an alchemy of authenticity and strategy. Unlike hard power’s brutishness, it thrives on trust, subtlety, and emotional resonance. As Nye (2004) remarked, “Soft power is not something you can buy—it is something you earn.” Nations that embrace ethical practices and shared aspirations wield not just influence but inspiration. In a fractured world, soft power’s true strength lies in its ability to unite, reimagining diplomacy as a collaborative art rather than a contest of wills.

Bibliography

Davis, R., & Yamamoto, S. (2018). Cultural exports and Japan’s soft power. Tokyo Press.

Gallup. (2021). Global trust survey results. Retrieved from https://www.gallup.com

Nye, J. (2004). Soft power: The means to success in world politics. PublicAffairs. 

Okoth, D. (2020). Debt dependency in Africa: The case of Kenya’s Chinese loans. Journal of African Economics, 29(3), 45-62. 

Smith, L. (2021). Promoting democracy through trade: The EU’s soft power strategy. European Policy Review, 10(1), 23-39.

Tomlinson, J. (1991). Cultural imperialism: A critical introduction. Pinter Publishers.

Weerasinghe, A. (2019). China’s debt diplomacy: The case of Sri Lanka. International Relations Journal, 45(2), 33-48.

Why Apply To The Immerse Education Essay Competition? 

Are you a highly motivated student aged 13-18? Have you ever wanted to experience studying at one of the world’s top universities?

The Immerse Education essay competition gives you the chance to submit your own essay for the opportunity to be awarded a scholarship to attend one of our award-winning academic or career-based summer schools.

You might use your summer school experience to explore the forces shaping today’s world, from diplomacy and global cooperation to trade, culture, and political influence. If you’re curious about how countries build alliances, resolve conflict, or use soft power to achieve their goals, our international relations summer school could help you turn that interest into deeper academic insight. Or, if you’re drawn to markets, development, and the economic decisions that shape societies, our economics summer school could be the perfect place to challenge your thinking. You can also choose our online summer school if you want the flexibility to learn from expert tutors while fitting your studies around your existing commitments.

How To Apply To The Immerse Education Essay Competition? 

If you’re aged 13-18 and you’re interested in applying to the Immerse Education essay competition then please visit our essay competition page for more details.