Factors of ‘smart power’
Re “A return to ‘smart power,’ ” Opinion, Jan. 21
In seeking to advance “smart power,” an Obama-led United States should look toward Europe for assistance and cooperation. European leaders such as Gordon Brown and Nicolas Sarkozy wish to work with the U.S. to advance common aims on the economy and the environment.
While European leaders are well-disposed toward the U.S., Obama has huge credibility and popularity in Europe. The Transatlantic Trends survey published last autumn showed that 69% of Europeans viewed him favorably.
The conditions are right for the European Union and the U.S. to work together exercising smart power to stimulate the economy and address climate change.
Roland Rudd
London
The writer is chairman of Business for New Europe.
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In his explanation of smart power, Joseph Nye Jr. lists culture as a vital diplomatic resource but suggests that changing it is difficult. But we don’t have to change our culture to show the world who we really are.
If one knows where to look, there are artists creating beautiful portraits of our society with depth, feeling and vision. Unfortunately, most of the entertainment business, and particularly the music industry, cannot seem to see past the easy hit. I would suggest that there’s room in the world for more than one U2, and that there are many American artists who have what they have. You just don’t have much chance of hearing them.
If soft power is a matter of national security, then our arts are as well. I watched that crowd on the National Mall on Jan. 20. I know that we are in a place that I’ve never seen in my lifetime. If the people of our country are willing to sacrifice, I say our corporate culture needs to do the same. Our entertainment industry has to get past what it thinks sells and begin to support what tells.
Martin Laudal
Pomona
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The Peace Corps was conceived as an exercise of America’s smart power.
I was a volunteer in Chile in the late 1960s. Anything I might have achieved for the advancement of U.S. prestige was ultimately demolished by the 1973 military coup, which was promoted by President Nixon and Henry Kissinger.
Dumb power is very swift, effective -- and enduring.
Otis Calef
Santa Barbara