Smart power diplomacy in a troubled international order

Amid growing turbulence in the international order, the United States is expected to exercise smart power in diplomacy more effectively to establish a stable balance of power capable of ensuring durable peace and security in the Middle East.

Such an approach should involve Iran, Israel and Lebanon as principal stakeholders in a comprehensive regional security framework.

In the current uncertain international order, Korea should pay more attention to smart power.

Combining soft and hard power in a sustainable, strategic manner will strengthen Korean smart power to a broader range of countries and widen international cooperation, including with the U.S., Japan, China and many others.

In a prior column, I mentioned Seo Hui’s persuasive ability in repelling successive waves of Khitan aggression during the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) and Syngman Rhee's success in persuading Dwight Eisenhower to sign the U.S.-South Korea Mutual Defense Treaty.

Smart power is inherently linked to public diplomacy.

Public diplomacy relies on the activities of non-state actors, including private organizations, ...