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Review
"(E)xcellent...Nye offers an illuminating distillation of the power relationships shaping a world in which the state with the best military can lose to the adversary with the better story."
--The Financial Times
"As power moves from west to east and from the palaces of dictators to the street, it is not just the identities of power brokers that are changing: so is the very meaning of power. No one is better placed to explain these trends than the scholar-statesman Joe Nye... The Future of Power contains important essays on both `cyber power' and `American decline', but what is most useful is Nye's subtle exegesis of the mechanics of more conventional forms of power."
--The New Statesman
"The Future of Power is a concise, forceful statement of what Nye refers to as the liberal realist position in the US academy and in US politics... (which) paints a plausible scenario for the continuance of the US at the heart of the international system."
--The Times Higher Education Supplement
"Nye has a lot of interesting points to make against conventional wisdom in matters geopolitical and cultural..."
--Guardian
--The Financial Times
"As power moves from west to east and from the palaces of dictators to the street, it is not just the identities of power brokers that are changing: so is the very meaning of power. No one is better placed to explain these trends than the scholar-statesman Joe Nye... The Future of Power contains important essays on both `cyber power' and `American decline', but what is most useful is Nye's subtle exegesis of the mechanics of more conventional forms of power."
--The New Statesman
"The Future of Power is a concise, forceful statement of what Nye refers to as the liberal realist position in the US academy and in US politics... (which) paints a plausible scenario for the continuance of the US at the heart of the international system."
--The Times Higher Education Supplement
"Nye has a lot of interesting points to make against conventional wisdom in matters geopolitical and cultural..."
--Guardian
Review
"(E)xcellent...Nye offers an illuminating distillation of the power relationships shaping a world in which the state with the best military can lose to the adversary with the better story." --The Financial Times "As power moves from west to east and from the palaces of dictators to the street, it is not just the identities of power brokers that are changing: so is the very meaning of power. No one is better placed to explain these trends than the scholar-statesman Joe Nye... The Future of Power contains important essays on both 'cyber power' and 'American decline', but what is most useful is Nye's subtle exegesis of the mechanics of more conventional forms of power." --The New Statesman "A concise, forceful statement of what Nye refers to as the liberal realist position in the US academy and in US politics... (which) paints a plausible scenario for the continuance of the US at the heart of the international system." --Times Higher Education Supplement "(W)hile the British generally take a wary attitude to international gurus, it is worth bearing in mind that what Nye... think(s) today has a habit of becoming the global consensus tomorrow. --Mary Dejevsky, The Independent"
--This text refers to the
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The US has, since WWII, been the most powerful and influential country in the world. Following the collapse of the Communist system in 1990 it is the sole super power. Nonetheless, there have been limits to the extension of American power. The most obvious example is the defeat in Vietnam. More recently, in response to the terrorist attacks on 9/11, the US has become engaged in new wars of occupation in Afghanistan and Iraq. And the prognosis of those state building projects remains uncertain today.
Joseph S. Nye Jr. has provided a new book, The Future of Power, to assess American power and consider the future of America's reach. In some ways this book is an example par excellence of realpolitik. He offers a reasoned approach to assessing the limits of power and provides a methodology, which he terms `smart power,' as a strategy for the successful extension of American influence in the world. He explains that, while the US remains the dominate military power by far, it cannot successfully impose its will on the world order through military might alone. This is, as far as it goes, a rational critique of US policy and its continued reliance upon projected military strength. Indeed the US cannot afford the expense of maintaining military dominance and policing the world. So the author suggests a mix of soft and hard power that are measured against a prioritized list of goals in order to achieve the maximum influence possible. This is the essence of smart power. His advice would certainly be useful, if it were taken to heart by the many old cold-warriors who lead government policy. So from this perspective I think that The Future of Power is a worthy book.
However, in the long run not even smart power will be adequate. The US is losing ground economically in the world economy. Consequently, it will not be capable of maintaining its decisive lead in military prowess. Hence, the reliance on soft power will become ever more important. Why not recognize the trend and stand down earlier on the foolish race to maintain military dominance? In any case shouldn't one question the basic premise of Mr. Nye's book? Why is it important that the US maintain the maximum influence possible within the global community? The author never considers calling this unspoken premise into question. Surely there is a moral dilemma here. Hence, I recommend a more radical perspective on the issue of American power, such as that presented by Andrew J. Bacevich in his excellent book, Washington Rules.
David Hillstrom
Author of The Bridge
Joseph S. Nye Jr. has provided a new book, The Future of Power, to assess American power and consider the future of America's reach. In some ways this book is an example par excellence of realpolitik. He offers a reasoned approach to assessing the limits of power and provides a methodology, which he terms `smart power,' as a strategy for the successful extension of American influence in the world. He explains that, while the US remains the dominate military power by far, it cannot successfully impose its will on the world order through military might alone. This is, as far as it goes, a rational critique of US policy and its continued reliance upon projected military strength. Indeed the US cannot afford the expense of maintaining military dominance and policing the world. So the author suggests a mix of soft and hard power that are measured against a prioritized list of goals in order to achieve the maximum influence possible. This is the essence of smart power. His advice would certainly be useful, if it were taken to heart by the many old cold-warriors who lead government policy. So from this perspective I think that The Future of Power is a worthy book.
However, in the long run not even smart power will be adequate. The US is losing ground economically in the world economy. Consequently, it will not be capable of maintaining its decisive lead in military prowess. Hence, the reliance on soft power will become ever more important. Why not recognize the trend and stand down earlier on the foolish race to maintain military dominance? In any case shouldn't one question the basic premise of Mr. Nye's book? Why is it important that the US maintain the maximum influence possible within the global community? The author never considers calling this unspoken premise into question. Surely there is a moral dilemma here. Hence, I recommend a more radical perspective on the issue of American power, such as that presented by Andrew J. Bacevich in his excellent book, Washington Rules.
David Hillstrom
Author of The Bridge
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Joseph Nye's timely and informative analysis addresses all the questions one may have asked about the ambiguous term Smart Power and contrasts the various forms of power, whether it is economic power, hard power, or soft power.
Smart Power refers to a combination of all the above, with the addition that each is used prudently. In the wake of the 2003 Iraq War, the 2008 Global Recession, and the ubiquitous speculation of so called American decline, Nye presents an analysis of the US strengths and failures, and the policy recommendations for the way forward.
Unlike many contemporaries, Nye is careful not to exaggerate the rise of China, taking a broader analysis into the reality that the current rate of Chinese economic growth cannot last indefinitely due to China's internal contradictions and demographics, and that the US is unlikely to be surpassed any time soon as the world's hegemon. Rather, Nye, much like Fareed Zakaria, constructs the emergence of a multipolar world, and although with the US likely to remain at the top for sometime, Nye believes that regardless of the leadership in Washington DC, a more multilateral approach to world affairs will come about.
This is much a book about the present and the forms of power as it is a divination project into the future of power. Nye explains the limits of economic power, such as the ineffectiveness of sanctions, the limited power of economic weapons as powerful as oil, and how the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo could not have lasted much longer, due to Arab dependence on Western Markets, and US Security Guarantees.
Soft Power is an altogether different concept, relying on the cultural and ideological attractiveness of a nation and its behaviour. This takes many forms, ranging from the attractiveness of a country to foreign students, the popularity of its cultural exports, or the reception of its hosting of major events, such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Nye cautions that the imprudent use of hard power, such as the 2003 Iraq War, and incidents such as Abu Ghraib and the ongoing prison at Guantanamo Bay have been detrimental to American soft power, and has had an adverse affect on the psychological dimension of warfare, serving as a means of terrorist recruitment.
To students of political science and international relations, Joseph Nye is a familiar name, and this latest volume is a welcome addition to the reading lists of political and current affairs enthusiasts, both old and new. Nye's book is a much needed update to international relations theory that is essential reading, regardless of however acquainted one is with the global system.
Smart Power refers to a combination of all the above, with the addition that each is used prudently. In the wake of the 2003 Iraq War, the 2008 Global Recession, and the ubiquitous speculation of so called American decline, Nye presents an analysis of the US strengths and failures, and the policy recommendations for the way forward.
Unlike many contemporaries, Nye is careful not to exaggerate the rise of China, taking a broader analysis into the reality that the current rate of Chinese economic growth cannot last indefinitely due to China's internal contradictions and demographics, and that the US is unlikely to be surpassed any time soon as the world's hegemon. Rather, Nye, much like Fareed Zakaria, constructs the emergence of a multipolar world, and although with the US likely to remain at the top for sometime, Nye believes that regardless of the leadership in Washington DC, a more multilateral approach to world affairs will come about.
This is much a book about the present and the forms of power as it is a divination project into the future of power. Nye explains the limits of economic power, such as the ineffectiveness of sanctions, the limited power of economic weapons as powerful as oil, and how the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo could not have lasted much longer, due to Arab dependence on Western Markets, and US Security Guarantees.
Soft Power is an altogether different concept, relying on the cultural and ideological attractiveness of a nation and its behaviour. This takes many forms, ranging from the attractiveness of a country to foreign students, the popularity of its cultural exports, or the reception of its hosting of major events, such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Nye cautions that the imprudent use of hard power, such as the 2003 Iraq War, and incidents such as Abu Ghraib and the ongoing prison at Guantanamo Bay have been detrimental to American soft power, and has had an adverse affect on the psychological dimension of warfare, serving as a means of terrorist recruitment.
To students of political science and international relations, Joseph Nye is a familiar name, and this latest volume is a welcome addition to the reading lists of political and current affairs enthusiasts, both old and new. Nye's book is a much needed update to international relations theory that is essential reading, regardless of however acquainted one is with the global system.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
17 reviews
35 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Balanced and Convincing
4 Feb 2011
Format:Hardcover
Joseph Nye's new book on the Future of Power brings reasoned analysis to bear on anxious predictions of America's relative decline vis a vis a rising China. While not ruling out the danger of conflict, Nye sees no need for the U.S. and China to go to war in the 21st century if Chinese hubris and American fears can be held in check. This volume goes a long way toward achieving that worth while objective. Building on his earlier study of soft and hard power, Nye argues that China and the US have much to gain from working together on major global challenges ranging from financial stability to climate change. This cooperation would, in Nye's words, represent the exercise of "smart power."
41 of 49 people found the following review helpful
American Empire vs. Global Governance
13 Feb 2011
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The US has, since WWII, been the most powerful and influential country in the world. Following the collapse of the Communist system in 1990 it is the sole super power. Nonetheless, there have been limits to the extension of American power. The most obvious example is the defeat in Vietnam. More recently, in response to the terrorist attacks on 9/11, the US has become engaged in new wars of occupation in Afghanistan and Iraq. And the prognosis of those state building projects remains uncertain today.
Joseph S. Nye Jr. has provided a new book, The Future of Power, to assess American power and consider the future of America's reach. In some ways this book is an example par excellence of realpolitik. He offers a reasoned approach to assessing the limits of power and provides a methodology, which he terms `smart power,' as a strategy for the successful extension of American influence in the world. He explains that, while the US remains the dominate military power by far, it cannot successfully impose its will on the world order through military might alone. This is, as far as it goes, a rational critique of US policy and its continued reliance upon projected military strength. Indeed the US cannot afford the expense of maintaining military dominance and policing the world. So the author suggests a mix of soft and hard power that are measured against a prioritized list of goals in order to achieve the maximum influence possible. This is the essence of smart power. His advice would certainly be useful, if it were taken to heart by the many old cold-warriors who lead government policy. So from this perspective I think that The Future of Power is a worthy book.
However, in the long run not even smart power will be adequate. The US is losing ground economically in the world economy. Consequently, it will not be capable of maintaining its decisive lead in military prowess. Hence, the reliance on soft power will become ever more important. Why not recognize the trend and stand down earlier on the foolish race to maintain military dominance? In any case shouldn't one question the basic premise of Mr. Nye's book? Why is it important that the US maintain the maximum influence possible within the global community? The author never considers calling this unspoken premise into question. Surely there is a moral dilemma here. Hence, I recommend a more radical perspective on the issue of American power, such as that presented by Andrew J. Bacevich in his excellent book, Washington Rules.
David Hillstrom
Author of The Bridge
Joseph S. Nye Jr. has provided a new book, The Future of Power, to assess American power and consider the future of America's reach. In some ways this book is an example par excellence of realpolitik. He offers a reasoned approach to assessing the limits of power and provides a methodology, which he terms `smart power,' as a strategy for the successful extension of American influence in the world. He explains that, while the US remains the dominate military power by far, it cannot successfully impose its will on the world order through military might alone. This is, as far as it goes, a rational critique of US policy and its continued reliance upon projected military strength. Indeed the US cannot afford the expense of maintaining military dominance and policing the world. So the author suggests a mix of soft and hard power that are measured against a prioritized list of goals in order to achieve the maximum influence possible. This is the essence of smart power. His advice would certainly be useful, if it were taken to heart by the many old cold-warriors who lead government policy. So from this perspective I think that The Future of Power is a worthy book.
However, in the long run not even smart power will be adequate. The US is losing ground economically in the world economy. Consequently, it will not be capable of maintaining its decisive lead in military prowess. Hence, the reliance on soft power will become ever more important. Why not recognize the trend and stand down earlier on the foolish race to maintain military dominance? In any case shouldn't one question the basic premise of Mr. Nye's book? Why is it important that the US maintain the maximum influence possible within the global community? The author never considers calling this unspoken premise into question. Surely there is a moral dilemma here. Hence, I recommend a more radical perspective on the issue of American power, such as that presented by Andrew J. Bacevich in his excellent book, Washington Rules.
David Hillstrom
Author of The Bridge
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Excellent work
19 Feb 2011
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The book focuses on how nations can exert influence. The two simplistic methods are hard power (mostly military strength) and soft power (cultural appeal, foreign aid, persuasion, etc.). Nye argues that both are important and that the proper balance between the two is what he calls "smart power." Nye focuses on rising nations that may not always see eye-to-eye with America. His conclusions strike me as accurate and remarkably well said. He has an upbeat view of America's future in the 21st Century. Academic but still approachable for the rest of us, this is a great book to read if you want to better understand America's role in the world.
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