The concept of soft power in the theory of international relations

Abstract

The article is devoted to the current topic of international relations - the role and place of soft and hard power. The concept of «soft power» is considered in the context of theories of international relations. The authors describe the concept of the emergence of «soft power», the principles of the liberal theory of international relations, and also describe the connection with the theory of neorealism. In this article, the authors analyze the theory of J. Nye, the founder of the concept of «soft power», the authors describe the mechanism of action of «soft power». A feature of this article is the understanding by the authors of the role of this concept, which affects the image of the state abroad and the strategy for the implementation of national interests through reliance on cooperation and the use of soft power tools through culture, education, humanitarian aid, and the popularization of ideology and lifestyle.