Britain's Persuaders: Soft Power in a Hard World

Britain's Persuaders: A Deep Exploration of Soft Power in Modern Britain. The concept of soft power is often misunderstood as simply being about diplomacy or persuasion. However, this phenomenon is more complex and multifaceted than that. This book delves into the subtle yet significant role of soft power in shaping Britain's international presence, using new research on its instruments in British society. It reveals how various sectors, from entertainment to education, contribute to Britain's soft power status, often independently of government intentions. The analysis is situated within the current understanding of 'smart power', where nations employ a range of policy instruments and characteristics to achieve desired outcomes. In the context of Brexit Britain, soft power will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in the 2020s. This book provides a comprehensive audit of Britain's principal sources of soft power, providing valuable insights into its future on the international stage. By examining the full spectrum of soft power instruments and characteristics, this book offers a nuanced understanding of Britain's position in the world today.