Utilizing American Smart Power in Managing the Conflict with Russia in Ukraine

Abstract

The concept of power is one of the fundamental concepts in international politics, rooted in the heritage of ancient civilizations. Throughout human history, significant events have occurred where power played a pivotal role in the birth of new states and the decline of others.

The complexity of the international system, changes in the balance of international power, emergence of new challenges, and evolution of tools of conflict on the international level, along with the emergence of numerous international and non-state actors, have pushed states towards devising a new formula. This formula enables them to harness all the tools and resources of power they possess, to later employ them in the most appropriate manner, allowing them to achieve their objectives with minimal losses, and to maintain their influence, dominance, and international weight.

Therefore, considering the nature of the challenges facing states, particularly the United States of America, there has been a call for adopting a new strategy in foreign policy, termed the "Smart Power" strategy. This strategy is comprehensive, aiming to achieve a balance between the use of hard power and soft power, based on what serves the state's highest interests, especially in light of the technological and scientific advancements witnessed by the world today.