U.S. Soft Power Tools

The Project on Prosperity and Development at CSIS convenes a broad range of stakeholders, to re-evaluate the soft-power tools needed to meet contemporary threats to U.S. strategic interests and the interests of the global community at-large

Today’s developing world is fundamentally different than it was just ten years ago, making it imperative that policymakers and strategists shaping U.S. foreign policy keep pace with these changes. Currently, there are two paths for developing countries: dozens are more affluent, freer, healthier, and more self-sufficient, while others still struggle mightily. Since 2002, every White House National Security Strategy has cited failed, fragile, or failing states as a critical global security challenge. Thus, U.S. foreign assistance must play a crucial role, but it must be applied to different challenges and opportunities to reflect a changed world.