Soft power

Soft power is a way of getting things done without using force or threats. Instead of pushing people to do something using hard power – like telling them they have to do it, with the threat of punishment if they don't – soft power uses persuasion. It is like encouraging people to do something, by making it attractive or appealing, usually through words or ideas. So instead of telling someone they have to do something, you tell them why it would be good to do it, and make them want to do it. An example of soft power is diplomacy. Instead of threatening a country with military force, two countries would try to come to a peaceful solution by talking things out and trying to persuade each other.