Douglas McGray used the idea of soft power to describe the "Cool Japan" phenomenon. Cool Japan has become a program supported by the Japanese government and various companies that promotes modern Japanese culture such as anime and manga abroad.

In calling for a new type of Chinese think tank, President Xi Jinping wants institutions that can compete with American ones in spreading soft power abroad and help refine policies at home, analysts say.

Iriana Widodo is our latest First Lady and since last Monday she began her new era as the Ibu Negara of the world’s third largest democracy. People say behind each great president, there is a great first lady – and behind her is a great team.

The battle for hearts and minds of the global television news audience has entered a new phase with the launch of a dedicated UK version of the Kremlin-backed 24-hour news channel, RT.

The pope comes to the table with “no threats, no bullets, no drones.” The head of the Catholic Church is the ultimate example of soft power.

Every country’s foreign policy has elements of continuity and change following a change in government. India’s policy under Mr. Modi is no different.  The fourth change is a greater emphasis on ‘soft power’. 

The issue of climate change presented a golden opportunity for Europe to flex its soft power, economic muscle and high-minded internationalism for the good of mankind. Perhaps, mused some, the EU should rebrand itself the “Environmental Union.”