The Paradox of Influence: Scrutinizing the Soft Power Competition in Africa and the Counterproductive Effects of Western Intervention on African Democracy

Sam-Kpakra Emmanuel (2024) The Paradox of Influence: Scrutinizing the Soft Power Competition in Africa and the Counterproductive Effects of Western Intervention on African Democracy. Külkereskedelmi Kar.

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Absztrakt (kivonat)

The study examines the notion of "soft power," coined by Joseph Nye in 1990, which prioritizes the use of attraction and persuasion to exert influence rather than coercion. The text underscores the difficulties encountered by Western endeavors to exert soft power in Africa. Efforts to advance Western principles such as human rights, democracy, and cultural exchange have frequently been met with doubt and seen as a form of neo-colonialism. The study presents the concept of the "paradox of influence," which refers to the predicament where Western soft power, aimed at promoting cooperative relationships founded on mutual respect, frequently leads to skepticism and nationalist reactions in Africa. The study seeks to analyze the reasons behind the lack of effectiveness and perceived imposition of Western soft power initiatives, specifically those undertaken by the United States and European countries, in Africa. It aims to highlight how these efforts often overlook Africa's distinct political, cultural, and historical circumstances, thereby adopting a uniform approach. There is a suggestion to reconsider the strategies of Western soft power in Africa in order to show more respect for and incorporate African perspectives and agency. The thesis argues for a reassessment of soft power as a fluid interaction that highlights both verbal communication and active listening.

Intézmény

Budapesti Gazdasági Egyetem

Kar

Külkereskedelmi Kar

Tanszék

Nemzetközi Kapcsolatok Tanszék

Tudományterület/tudományág

NEM RÉSZLETEZETT

Szak

Nemzetközi tanulmányok (angol)

Mű típusa:	diplomadolgozat (NEM RÉSZLETEZETT)
Kulcsszavak:	African Union, democracy, Ecowas, Nye, Sierra Leone, soft power
SWORD Depositor:	Archive User
Felhasználói azonosító szám (ID):	Archive User
Rekord készítés dátuma:	2024. Szep. 26. 07:59
Utolsó módosítás:	2024. Szep. 26. 07:59

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