FROM DEFENSE TO OFFENSE: SECURITY FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNTRY’S SOFT POWER
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29038/2524-2679-2025-02-19-28Keywords:
soft power, «hard power»., security, security policy, challenge, manipulation, hybrid warfare, information policyAbstract
The article examines the functions of soft power in the context of protec- ting the national security of states with high and low soft power potential. The purpose of the article is determined by the need for theoretical and con- ceptual improvement of the phenomenon of soft power as an instrument of influence of the actor-applicant in the conditions of the crisis of the world order, and accordingly, the study of the role of non-force methods of inf- luence in the national interests’ protection of large and small states. As part of the operationalization of the functions, the author identifies two groups of recipients to whom the soft power of a subject is directed: partner actors and rival actors. Thanks to this division, the author offers a detailed analy- sis of functions, considering the interests and motives of the actor and the specifics of its relations with the recipient. The author also substantiates the thesis of the predominantly manipulative nature of soft power and argues that soft power, especially in the context of interstate conflict, has destruc- tive consequences for the recipient and, accordingly, has harsh characteris- tics. The article emphasizes that the analysis of the use of soft power by a particular actor is relevant in a particular case and should consider both the behavior of the soft power actor and the recipient’s reaction, as well as the behavior of a competing actor. The article points out that if for major pla- yers soft power becomes an “offensive” tool and performs the functions of maintaining legitimacy in the international arena, then for small actors the system of soft power functions has a more defensive nature. Taking into ac- count the proposed operationalization, the author comes to the conclusion that the soft power of the state can play a key role in the sphere of protec- ting security interests, however, requires further empirical research and sys- tematization of the practical experience of states in conditions of increased conflict potential in the international arena.
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