The United States has plenty of work ahead of us if we want to win the global soft power battleground in the fight against China, Russia, and Iran. With good reason, the Trump administration has strongly criticized the implementation of American soft power under the previous administration. Its response has been to cut billions in foreign aid, but while breaking some eggs is necessary, preparing the ingredients and cooking the omelet is equally vital to ensure that the execution of U.S. soft power matches the enlightened principles upon which it was conceived following World War II. Dan Twining, President of the International Republican Institute (IRI) and Vandenberg Advisory Board Member, joins Flash Focus to discuss how the United States can capitalize on this current moment to reorient U.S. soft power effectively and efficiently within the current geopolitical context. 

You can watch this podcast as a video on YouTube. 

Dan Twining’s “Democracy Assistance Isn’t Regime Change”

(1:51) What Does Soft Power Mean?

(2:41) Soft Power in the Cold War

(4:23) The Present Strength of American Soft Power

(6:58) Why Does Soft Power Matter?

(9:34) Misconceptions About Democracy Assistance 

(13:39) The Trump Administration’s Cuts

(15:57) The Development Finance Organization and Millennium Challenge Corporation 

(17:40) Supporting Dissidents

(21:07) Democracy Programs in Action

(23:24) Why Should Americans Care About Soft Power?

(27:06) Recommendations to Make Soft Power More Effective