Joseph Nye describes the phrase 'soft power' as one that arises from the attractiveness of a country's culture, political ideals and policies, whereas hard powe... » 

Joseph Nye describes the phrase 'soft power' as one that arises from the attractiveness of a country's culture, political ideals and policies, whereas hard power - the ability to coerce - grows out of it's military or economic might. In this book, Nye emphasizes the importance of husbanding the military power and nurturing soft power. «