t the convention another hot topic that was discussed was the diffusion of South Korean culture throughout Asia...and the growing popularity of Korean entertainment and culture. Korean dramas and pop music have grown quite popular among the youth in the region and abroad.

A new era of caution, particularly toward a model that once looked like the wave of the future. Some experts say branch campuses - where a U.S. university "plants a flag," operates its own campus and awards degrees in its own name - are falling from favor.

Our diplomatic resources will need to be expanded and strengthened. More diplomats, more training, and more synergy with resources outside the government will be needed. Diplomacy will need to include diverse interests. Public diplomacy will be an integral component of diplomacy.

When you think of this country's so-called soft power, you probably focus on popular culture and the siren song of the energetic immigrant's dream—though perhaps that's more fantasy these days—of moving here and making it in the land of milk and honey. You probably don't think of hair-styling tips.

ASEAN elites speak very highly of New Zealand's soft power, New Zealand's role is bigger and better when it's with Australia.

To fill the vacuum, China and lately India were only eager to replace the U.S. as the main partner of Africa. And instead of their American counterparts and competitors, the method used by the two emerging powers was that of “soft power” rather than blunt military pressure.

For much of the past decade, "soft power" has been touted as a means for making foreign policy more effective by emphasizing enticement rather than coercion, conversation rather than conflict.

CHINA's ruling Communist Party has vowed to increase its "cultural soft power" as it launches itself into the final stage of a power struggle from which a decade of leaders will emerge next October.