ANALYZING U.S. SOFT POWER IMPACT ON PAKISTAN’S FOREIGN POLICY

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of U.S soft power on Pakistan’s foreign policy. Soft power, as defined Joseph Nye the ability of a country to shape the global order through influence military or economic coercion. The U.S as leading soft power hegemon in the international arena, has traditionally utilized its diplomatic, cultural and economic tools to influence Pakistan foreign policy. Particularly through processes such as strategic partnerships, defense cooperation, and economic alliances, the research focuses on three core pillars of U.S soft power: diplomatic relations, IT exchange programs, and military cooperation. This study adopts a qualitative research methodology, grounded Joseph Nyes soft power theory to explore how the United States has projected its values, culture and institutional strength to enable its geopolitical interests in Pakistan. The study explores the challenges that have arisen in recent years, such as Chinas growing influence in Pakistan through CPEC, which provides an alternative to the U.S, centric world. It also discusses, rising anti-American sentiments and shifting global power dynamics, including the expansion of BRICS, have created hurdles for U.S soft power influence in Pakistan. The study also examines the limitations of U.S soft power in a region where authoritarianism, political instability, and extremist ideologies challenge democratic values. In conclusion the study evaluates how the theoretical foundations of soft power address the complexities of Pak-U.S. relations in contemporary geopolitical dynamics and provides insights into the future of U.S influence in Pakistan.