THE EXERCISE OF SOFT POWER BY THE U. S. THROUGH THE USE OF MULTILATERAL DIPLOMACY DURING G. W. BUSH AND B. OBAMA PRESIDENCY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17721/apmv.2017.133.0.16-25Abstract
In the modern world, multilateral diplomacy is a significant factor of soft power,as it demonstrates commitment to global goals and international cooperation, the desire to address
the interests of not only allies, but also of hostile states, and the presence of a clear vision
of the world development that altogether increases the attractiveness of the state.
The article analyzes the approaches to the multilateral diplomacy of the administrations of
two U. S. presidents, namely of G. W. Bush and B. Obama. The study came to the conclusion that
the United States mostly neglected the potential of soft power that could have been obtained in
case of more active use of multilateral mechanisms. The preference was given to unilateralist ac
tions on the world stage under the administration of G. W. Bush, and this trend was mainly preserved
by B. Obama, despite his declared commitment to international obligations, although he
generally managed to increase the importance of multilateral diplomacy for the United States
and to improve the image of the state in the international arena.
Key words: soft power, multilateral diplomacy, unilateralism
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