Nov 21, 2009
CSIS Smart Power Commission Interviews
To mark the launch of the commission, co-chairs Richard Armitage and Joseph Nye discussed their intentions for it. With the launch of the CSIS Commission on Smart Power, co-chairs Richard Armitage and Joseph Nye gave an interview on their intentions for the project.
- Why is the U.S. so unpopular abroad? Does this diminished standing matter?
- What does smart power mean? Why will it be important to the next administration?
- Has the U.S. successfully balanced hard and soft power in the past?
- What would be a smart power approach to Iran, North Korea, or the war on terrorism?
- What tools are required for a more balanced approach to foreign policy?
- On what issues can the U.S. make the biggest difference in the next five years?
- Who is the target audience for the commission’s work?
- Final comments
Comissioners also interviewed about the project:
Smart Power is the integration of hard and soft power. Exercising Smart Power requires that the U.S. strengthen our civilian capacity to support our national security. The aim of the Embassy of the Future report is to make the diplomatic pursuit of U.S. interests even more effective than it is today. Download the report.

