Los Angeles Times Outlook Article Following President Obama's Inauguration

LA Times Outlook Article

The U.S. can Reclaim 'Smart Power'

Hard and soft power used together can give the country the tools to lead.

By Joseph S. Nye Jr.
January 21, 2009

President Obama reminded us Tuesday that "our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint." A week ago, in her confirmation hearings to become secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton said: "America cannot solve the most pressing problems on our own, and the world cannot solve them without America. ... We must use what has been called 'smart power,' the full range of tools at our disposal."

America can become a smart America -- a smart power -- by again investing in global public goods, providing things people and governments of the world want but have not been able to get in the absence of leadership by the strongest country. Development, public health and coping with climate change are good examples. By complementing U.S. military and economic might with greater investments in soft power, and focusing on global public goods, the U.S. can rebuild the framework that it needs to tackle tough global challenges.

From the Los Angeles Times - January, 21, 2009