Dismantling of U.S. Soft Power Tools

SOURCE www.npr.org
The U.S. built up soft power tools after WWII and during the Cold War, including Radio Free Europe and scholarships. The Trump administration is dismantling these institutions, leading to concerns about the U.S.'s global influence and understanding of the world.

Key Points

  • Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty provided vital information to Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
  • The U.S. Institute of Peace and think tanks like the Wilson Center have bolstered U.S. foreign policy expertise.

Pros

  • Soft power tools like Radio Free Europe and scholarships have helped the U.S. project influence globally.
  • The U.S. built a pool of foreign leaders and academics through these institutions.

Cons

  • The dismantling of these institutions may lead to a decrease in the U.S.'s understanding of the world.
  • Other countries may be less understanding of the U.S. without these programs.