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"Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun" - Mao Zedong, 1927"In the 21st century, culture is power" - Park Geun-hye (ex President of South Korea, home of Gangnam Style)How do other countries win the political game without force? Why is language such a fantastic tool to project power across the world? What is Donald Trump doing for US interests outside the US? Learn about how soft power is a vital tool in the global diplomatic toolbox, and how countries use it to advance their diplomatic aims.Topics covered: The history of soft power Why it is no longer acceptable to attack other countries What components go into soft power Why language is the ultimate example of soft power (and why countries promote the learning of their language) The UK's soft power across the world The Soft Power Report (and who came top in 2019) Why the UK, France, Italy, the US, Sweden and Estonia all do well in terms of soft power China's soft power initiatives Why you can't buy soft power Why politicians neglect soft power What Europeans think of the US since 2016 Key vocabulary: Self-proclaimed, Geopolitics, Zero-sum, Projected, Coercion, Sanctions, Aspirational, Coined, Lingua franca, Dominant, Packs a sizeable punch, Prevalence, Gradual, Decline, Institutions, Slipped, Footprint, Republican, Imprint, Mastery, Amplifies, Deemed, Agenda, Funding, Portray, Toolbox, Timeframes, Reap, Foster, Blossom, Soundbites, Hostile, Struggle, Ranked, Bound, Dividends, Set in motion, Shift, Packs a substantial soft power punch, NeglectFull transcript and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/what-is-soft-power-and-why-does-it-matterWant tips, resources, and tricks on how to learn English with podcasts? www.leonardoenglish.com/blog****Join the conversation: instagram.com/leonardoenglishapp fb.me/leonardoenglishapp Join the Learn English with Podcasts community: www.facebook.com/groups/learnenglishwithpodcasts ****More about Leonardo English and the English for Curious Minds podcastLearning English shouldn't be boring. It should open your mind.English Learning for Curious Minds is a podcast aimed at intermediate level English speakers and above, where listeners learn fascinating things about the world while learning English.There's no small-talk, no boring grammar exercises or vocabulary drills.You'll learn English by listening, by hearing real conversations and real English, spoken by native speakers, and at a speed you can understand.Listeners can subscribe to Leonardo English to get a copy of the transcript and key vocabulary for every podcast on www.leonardoenglish.com.It's English learning, but for curious minds.