Reference Message Network reported on May 6 an interview by the Japanese Economic News with Joseph Nye, honorary professor of Harvard University. The reporter was Mizuki Ishimura, and the title was "The United States Losing Its Soft Power." The content is compiled as follows: Under the Trump administration's "America First" policy, which threatens allies with tariffs and cuts humanitarian aid institutions, trust in the United States is declining. The United States, which has traditionally attracted other countries through concepts such as rule of law, human rights, and inclusiveness to establish international order, is changing. What impact will this have on Japan and the world? We interviewed Joseph Nye, honorary professor of Harvard University and the originator of the concept of "soft power." Reporter asked: What do you think soft power is? Where does America’s soft power come from? Joseph Nye replied: Power is the ability to make others act according to your will. Power comes in three forms: coercive force brought by threats, monetary rewards, and attractiveness. Soft power is the ability to make others act according to your will through attractiveness. Soft power consists of three parts: a country's culture, domestic social conditions, and political and diplomatic policies. In the United States, civil society has traditionally played an important role in culture, politics, and diplomacy. Soft power does not come from the government but exists in universities, foundations, non-profit organizations, and so on. Question: Is America's soft power also declining under the Trump administration? Answer: Trump undoubtedly damages America's soft power. The fact that the U.S. Agency for International Development was actually dismantled proves this. He also weakened America's relations with European allies, threatened Denmark over the issue of Greenland, and created new uncertainties regarding tariffs. I believe these actions weaken America's attractiveness. Question: Can lost soft power be restored? Answer: The United States has lost its soft power before. During the Vietnam War, protests were held worldwide against American policy in Vietnam. The Iraq War during the Bush administration was also unpopular. However, with changes in government, America's soft power has been restored. History shows that soft power can be restored. However, Trump may have destroyed the trust people have had in America so far. This might be different from previous situations. Even if people become interested in America again, can we eliminate their concerns about the possibility of America choosing another leader like Trump? This is a difficult question to answer. Question: Why can't Trump understand soft power? Answer: Trump accumulated real estate experience in New York, which is a world of survival of the fittest. I believe this had a significant impact on his career development. In his book *The Art of the Deal*, he emphasized the importance of confusing opponents and maintaining unpredictability. Soft power, however, relies on a certain degree of predictability and trust. It is indeed hard to understand soft power with Trump's way of thinking. Question: Trump is trying to destroy the civil society that supports soft power. Answer: If Trump succeeds, it would be very worrying. But American universities are the strongest in the world. I don't believe Trump could completely destroy their independence. Even if they are weakened, they can recover. The president of Harvard University stated that many of Trump's demands were "illegal and unconstitutional." I believe civil society will counter Trump's pressure. Question: Does the decline of American soft power benefit China? Answer: China is already working toward this goal. The Belt and Road Initiative aims to make China an attractive country (i.e., one with soft power) in the world. By filling the vacuum left after America's departure, China's influence may increase. (Compiled/translated by Liu Lin) Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7501250132222951974/ Disclaimer: This article represents the author's views only. Please express your opinions by voting up or down below.