The Future of Power

Harvard professor Nye, who served in the state and defense departments of the Carter and Clinton administrations, respectively, was among the first to promulgate the notion of soft power and, subsequently, smart power a concept the Obama administration seems to have fully embraced. But here Nye gives smart power far more depth and nuance than merely marrying force and persuasion. Rather, it involves setting clear and manageable objectives, understanding the resources available within dynamic circumstances, understanding the sensibilities of the targets of a country's objectives, choosing among power strategies, and anticipating the success of those strategies. If the book sounds wonky, it is. But Nye brings specific historical examples to give life to his far-ranging understanding of power, and he realistically sets his book amid the complex dynamics of the worlds geopolitical players. Given Nyes prominence in the diplomatic community, this volume is likely to attract considerable attention. --Alan Moores