​Revisiting soft power : 2019 rankings​

Abstract

​​​The notion of soft power in international relations reflects the ability of a country to assert its influence on the global stage without exercising coercion. Quantifying soft power remains a formidable challenge despite the proliferation of academic and policy literature published in the last three decades. The Nanyang Centre for Emerging Markets (CEM) addresses that challenge by constructing a soft power index and applying it to the world’s Emerging Markets (EMs). These countries play an increasingly significant role in our global economy. This report compares the soft power EMs have vis-à-vis one another, relative to the soft power wielded by more advanced economies.