ongoing global power shift and tending towards a multipolar world, what could be a foreign policy option for small states? Is it good to endorse public diplomacy and soft power?
Small states must act from within and work in solidarity to cope up with international diplomatic markets that looks more of a competition than a cooperation.
Dear Bhuwan Paudel , public diplomacy and soft power are not just good options, they are essential instruments for small states navigating a multipolar world.
In an era where global influence is no longer the monopoly of great powers, small states have a unique opportunity to redefine their relevance through non-coercive means. The shift towards multipolarity and the increasing importance of global narratives, values, and perception make soft power a powerful equalizer.
By investing in public diplomacy, cultural exchange, educational outreach, digital engagement, and people-to-people ties small states can shape international opinion, build strategic goodwill, and project a credible, values-driven national identity. Countries like Singapore, Costa Rica, and Bhutan have already shown how soft power can amplify influence far beyond material capabilities.
Moreover, in a multipolar world, where alliances are more fluid and power more diffused, small states can act as norm entrepreneurs, advocating for global issues like climate action, peacebuilding, human rights, and technological ethics. These are areas where moral authority can be more powerful than military might.
Public diplomacy also offers resilience. It builds networks, trust, and legitimacy that can serve as buffers during geopolitical shocks. Through smart storytelling and value-based outreach, small states can brand themselves as stable, innovative, and peace-oriented players in global affairs.
So I believe, endorsing public diplomacy and soft power is not just advisable, it is a strategic necessity for small states. By leveraging their unique identities, cultural capital, and ethical leadership, they can thrive and lead in specific global arenas where traditional power alone is insufficient. The future belongs to those who can communicate compellingly, connect genuinely, and cooperate constructively.
Yes, Subham Tripathy, indeed it is the most essential option for the small states at the current state of world affairs. This is the punch line of your message above: "In an era where global influence is no longer the monopoly of great powers, small states have a unique opportunity to redefine their relevance through non-coercive means", which I endorsed, too.
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