Report

Playing to our strengths: The future of the UK’s soft power in foreign policy

This report from UK think tank the Foreign Policy Centre proposes a way for the UK Government to develop and implement a soft power strategy as a central component of its foreign policy.

In today’s fractious world, soft power has increasingly become a critical tool for states seeking to maintain or expand their influence, and the UK is uniquely positioned to excel in this domain.

While no longer a superpower in traditional hard power terms, the UK has the assets to be a global leader in soft power.

This report proposes a way forward for the UK Government to develop and implement a soft power strategy as a central component of its foreign policy.

This report puts forward an ‘80/20’ approach for a UK soft power strategy that balances space for cultural and creative actors to thrive independently – the 80%; with areas requiring active government engagement, whether through leadership, funding, regulation or partnerships – comprising the other 20%.