Joseph Nye, renowned for coining the term “soft power,” passed away at the age of 88. Nye’s concept of soft power emphasized the importance of influence gained through non-coercive means such as aid, culture, and promotion of human rights. This idea gained global recognition and became a significant aspect of international relations beyond US policy circles.

Throughout his career, Nye held various influential positions in academia and government, influencing the administrations of presidents like Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. His seminal work, “Power and Interdependence,” challenged traditional notions of power by highlighting the significance of economic cooperation and multilateral organizations.

Nye’s concept of soft power faced criticism for being intangible and limited in impact. However, he later advocated for “smart power,” a balanced approach that incorporates both hard and soft strategies based on the issue at hand. Despite skepticism about China’s utilization of soft power, Nye acknowledged its potential to fill the global leadership vacuum created by shifts in US policies.

Born in New Jersey, Nye was a Rhodes scholar and earned his PhD from Harvard before joining its faculty. He navigated turbulent times in the 1970s, marked by civil rights and Vietnam protests. Nye’s legacy includes his contributions to international relations theory and his impact on shaping contemporary foreign policy discourse.