A Chronicle of China's Soft Power Evolution and Western Rivalry
A Chronicle of China's Soft Power Evolution and Western Rivalry China's soft power, defined by Joseph Nye as "the ability to get what you want through attraction rather than coercion or payments," has surged in the Global South since the early 2000s, propelled by economic diplomacy like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), cultural exports, and narratives of mutual benefit. In 2025, China ranks second in Brand Finance's Global Soft Power Index with a score of 72.8/100, trailing only the US, reflecting gains in technology, education, and sustainability perceptions. This rise contrasts with a perceptible decline in Western soft power, where US favorability has dropped to 50-60% in many regions from 70%+ a decade ago, per Pew and Gallup data. In Sub-Saharan Africa, China's favorability exceeds 60% (Afrobarometer 2025), driven by $182 billion BRI investments. The Middle East sees nascent gains through neutrality, like the 2023 Iran-Saudi deal. ASEAN experienc...