Reference News website reported on May 26 that Agence France-Presse published an article titled "Trump's Move Seen as a Threat to Key Source of America's 'Soft Power'" on May 24. The following are the excerpts: The Trump administration's attempt to stop Harvard University, which enjoys a prestigious academic reputation worldwide, from enrolling international students has added another item to a growing list of measures that could seriously undermine America's "soft power." A federal judge temporarily halted the ban on Harvard. But Trump's move is only part of a broad ideological struggle he has initiated, targeting dozens of long-standing programs aimed at promoting diversity and cooperation both domestically and internationally, thereby expanding America's influence. Trump ordered a significant reduction in foreign aid and canceled or drastically cut university research projects. Top scholars began seeking jobs overseas, raising concerns about talent loss. The Trump administration also attacked the media, including shutting down the historically significant Voice of America radio station. Then, in early May, Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on movies shown in the U.S. but produced abroad. For example, this would have a devastating impact on Tom Cruise's "Mission: Impossible 8: Fallout," a highly budgeted American film released at the Cannes Film Festival this year, mainly filmed in the UK and South Africa. Trump also criticized some of America's most authoritative cultural institutions, from the Smithsonian museums in Washington to the renowned Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The Republican president accused the former of conducting "ideological indoctrination" and appointed himself as the latter's chairman. The concept of "soft power" was first proposed by political scientist Joseph Nye in the 1980s. He defined it as a country's ability to achieve its goals through attraction rather than coercion. In the view of Trump's critics, this is completely opposite to his achievements. The ongoing trade war he initiated and his attacks on allies have damaged America's prestige, even affecting the number of foreign tourists visiting the U.S. Senior Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of the Council on Foreign Relations severely condemned Trump's measures against Harvard. In a statement, she said, "International students contribute to our economy, support American jobs, and are one of our strongest diplomatic and soft power tools." She also said, "This reckless behavior causes lasting damage to our global influence." Although the judge's temporary halt on the Harvard ban gave Harvard a breather, Trump's move caused shock both inside and outside the American academic community. Every year, American universities attract a large number of foreign students. International students account for a quarter of Harvard's new students and are a major source of income for Harvard. The Trump administration insists that American universities like Harvard have become hotbeds of far-left ideology and claim these universities waste a lot of money promoting diversity and inclusivity. Joseph Nye, the theorist who proposed the concept of soft power and former Assistant Secretary of Defense, passed away earlier this month. In an email in February, he frankly commented on Trump's actions, saying that the president "only thinks in terms of coercion." He also said that this overlooks a proven source of American influence, "Our success over the past 80 years has also been based on attraction." (Translated by Zhao Feifei) Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7508669017326993970/ Disclaimer: This article only represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by clicking the "Like/Dislike" button below.