Essay On The Paradox Of American Power

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This essay aims to evaluate the question if United States of America continues to hold the power in the whole world, as the leading world power, or whether on the contrary, has lost this hegemony. United States of America certainly has been the major power in the world. Not exclusively in political, democratic or economic terms but also in the hegemonic power. To analyse whether US power is declining is necessary to look back, in order to comprehend the position USA have achieved and what is the situation nowadays. On the other hand, the power, by definition, is always a relative concept. At one point, without forgetting its dynamic nature, a state is more or less powerful relative to the rest of those who compose the international community. The higher the power, better able to defend its interests and influence others to do or do not what is proposed. Exert this influence by the two instruments of hegemony: hard power and soft power. First, the hard power that United States always has had that …show more content…

This term coined by prestigious American political scientist, Joseph S. Nye in the 90s. Nye developed those ideas of soft power and hard power in his book The Paradox of American Power (2002), and he explains how this concept of soft power refers to the power originating from the diplomacy, culture, and history of the country that desires to exercise this power in order to achieve its goals. This kind of power is essential to exercise and increase the influence peacefully. Effective leadership requires a dialogue with the led, also how US supremacy would be more worthwhile and lasting in time if its allies see that a nation is more sensitive to their concerns. September 2001 was a first step towards this

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