Return of hard power                Author: Maleeha Lodhi

The article reveals today’s power politics. Once thought to be on its way out, hard power has returned with a bang, elbowing diplomacy and soft influence to the sidelines. The world, it seems, is walking back into the shadow of gunboat diplomacy, where military muscle and economic coercion are the new tools of persuasion. Wars are no longer last resorts; they’re becoming the first step in policy moves by major powers. From Israel’s brutal offensive in Gaza and cross-border attacks to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Trump-era trade wars, brute force is muscling its way back into mainstream statecraft. This growing appetite for coercion is ripping apart the already fragile threads of international law and cooperation, pushing us toward a Hobbesian jungle where might is right.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. The article throws a lifeline to soft power, insisting it hasn’t lost its shine. Countries like China are quietly but steadily flexing their soft power muscles investing in diplomacy, cultural engagement, and economic partnerships. China’s rise to the No. 2 spot in the global soft power index isn’t a fluke; it’s the outcome of strategic long-haul efforts, from Belt and Road to brokering peace between Iran and Saudi Arabia. While America under Trump chose to swing a big stick, China built bridges. Drawing on insights from Joseph Nye, the piece argues that in an interdependent world, trust and attraction are not optional luxuries but strategic imperatives. If a country earns goodwill, it won’t have to twist arms to get cooperation. In the long run, charm may win more wars than cannons.

Overview:

This article dissects the rising global trend of using military and economic power to settle disputes, bypassing diplomacy and cooperation. It critiques how powerful states have returned to hardline tactics, while also defending the continued relevance of soft power, citing China’s strategic global influence as a success story.

Notes for CSS Aspirants:

Notes (Comprehensive Paragraph Form):

The article provides in depth analysis of the resurgence of hard power in contemporary geopolitics, spotlighting how coercion such as military force and economic pressure has taken center stage in global statecraft. It highlights the decline of multilateral diplomacy and soft influence, as powerful nations increasingly resort to aggression and arm-twisting to achieve their strategic goals. Real-world instances like Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the U.S.’s use of economic sanctions and trade wars underscore this pivot towards raw, unfiltered power. Lodhi emphasizes that this trend is not only undermining international law but also destabilizing global norms, nudging the world back into a chaotic, Hobbesian state where might defines right. However, she balances this outlook by underlining the endurance of soft power, particularly through China’s calculated rise in global influence via peaceful tools such as diplomacy, infrastructure investments under the Belt and Road Initiative and cultural outreach. Drawing from Joseph Nye’s theories, the piece reiterates that trust, legitimacy, and moral leadership remain invaluable in an interconnected world. Ultimately, the article underscores the necessity of recalibrating global politics, urging a return to cooperative engagement before force becomes the default setting in international relations.

Relevant CSS Subjects and Topics:

• International Relations: Power dynamics, diplomacy, coercion vs cooperation
• Pakistan Affairs: Regional conflicts, India-Pakistan military posture
• Current Affairs: Gaza war, Ukraine conflict, US-China competition
• Essay Paper: Use of force in global politics, soft power vs hard power, military dominance
• Political Science: Realism, neoliberalism, and power politics

Notes for Beginners:

Think of hard power as using force like military or economic threats to get what you want, like the US using trade tariffs to pressure other countries. In contrast, soft power is like making friends at school—using kindness, culture, and ideas to win people over. For example, China invests in poorer countries and shares technology, gaining allies without firing a shot. This balance between fear and friendship shapes today’s world politics. The article warns that if everyone keeps choosing the stick over the handshake, global peace might go out the window.

Facts and Figures:

• Global defence spending has reached record highs
• China is ranked No. 2 in global soft power index (Brand Finance)
• Over 150 countries are part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative
• The US imposed trade tariffs on allies and adversaries alike under Trump
• Multiple international laws prohibit the first use of force, but violations are on the rise

To sum up, the article highlights the world’s dangerous tilt toward hard power. In a landscape where force trumps dialogue and might often overrides right, the need for balance becomes all the more urgent. She argues that while the sword may win battles, it’s soft power that builds empires of trust and stability. Countries would do well to remember: in a world bristling with weapons, influence, not intimidation, could be their greatest asset.

Difficult Words and Meanings:

• Abjure – To renounce or reject (Syn: forsake | Ant: embrace)
• Impunity – Exemption from punishment (Syn: immunity | Ant: accountability)
• Hobbesian – Chaotic and lawless, like a “war of all against all” (Syn: anarchic | Ant: orderly)
• Coercion – Force or threats to make someone act (Syn: compulsion | Ant: consent)
• Rapport – A harmonious relationship (Syn: connection | Ant: conflict)