The Erosion of American Soft Power and China’s Ascent
The United States, under the presidency of Donald Trump, is experiencing a decline in its global influence, particularly in the realm of soft power. This erosion is creating opportunities for China to expand its own influence, presenting a shifting geopolitical landscape. The shift isn’t simply a change in tactics, but a fundamental alteration in how the U.S. Approaches international relations, moving away from persuasion and attraction towards a more transactional and, at times, confrontational stance.
The Concept of Soft Power
The term “soft power,” coined by Joseph Nye in 1990, describes a state’s ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion, rather than coercion or economic pressure – the components of “hard power.” According to historian Jürgen Osterhammel, the concept of soft power has proven remarkably resilient in the face of evolving social science trends. Soft power operates when others willingly emulate a powerful nation, adopting its values, culture, and institutions.
America’s Historical Soft Power
Following World War II, the United States became a global role model for many Western societies. American cultural exports – including Hollywood films, jazz and rock music, and technological innovations – generated prestige that Washington leveraged for political gain. Even criticisms of “cultural imperialism” acknowledged the power of American influence. Institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund further disseminated American ideas about global economic regulation, gaining acceptance and effectiveness through widespread adoption.
The Trump Administration’s Impact
The administration of Donald Trump marked a significant departure from this traditional approach. Policies such as extortionate tariffs against allies, threats of unilateral action (like the proposed takeover of Greenland), withdrawal from international organizations (such as the World Health Organization), and cuts to development aid (like USAID) have damaged the United States’ reputation. Trump’s tendency to flatter authoritarian leaders whereas simultaneously insulting allies has fostered distrust, and alienation.
This shift prompted questions about the future of pro-American sentiment globally. A 2025 survey revealed unfavorable views of the U.S. In a majority of European countries, with particularly strong negative sentiment in Denmark (70 percent) and Germany (59 percent). Positive views were limited to Hungary (60 percent) and Poland (55 percent).
A Break in Transatlantic Relations
The appearance of Vice President J.D. Vance at the 2025 Munich Security Conference signaled a further break in transatlantic relations. Vance criticized democratic values in Europe and held a private meeting with Alice Weidel, the leader of the right-wing AfD party in Germany, causing significant consternation among traditional transatlanticists.
While some argue that the Trump administration is pursuing a novel form of soft power based on nationalism and protectionism, supporting nationalist think tanks and foundations in Europe, this approach has faced challenges. Interventions in Venezuela and threats against Greenland have alienated even some right-wing populists who prioritize national sovereignty. Nationalist movements, by their nature, are often resistant to integration into transnational networks.
China’s Growing Influence
As American soft power wanes, China is actively seeking to expand its own influence. A 2025 European Council on Foreign Relations survey indicated that a majority of respondents perceived Chinese influence as increasing and viewed it positively. This is fueled by the growing adoption of Chinese products, such as electric vehicles, solar panels, and AI applications like Deepseek.
Beyond economic penetration, Chinese culture – including traditions like Feng Shui and Tai Chi, and cultural products like Labubu dolls – is gaining popularity. China is also positioning itself as a reliable guarantor of multilateral institutions, filling the void left by the United States.
Conclusion
The decline of American soft power and the rise of China represent a significant shift in the global balance of influence. While hard power remains crucial, the ability to attract and persuade is increasingly important in the 21st century. China’s growing appeal, coupled with the United States’ self-inflicted wounds to its reputation, suggests a continuing realignment of global power dynamics. The future will likely see a more multi-polar world, where influence is distributed more broadly and the United States faces increasing competition for global leadership.