In today’s changing landscape of conflict, traditional peacebuilding approaches- military interventions and sanctions often fail to bring about sustainable peace. International terrorism, protracted conflict, and fragile post-conflict environments demonstrate the limitation of force-based mechanisms necessitating the urgent need of non-coercive alternatives.
Power, “the ability to effect the outcomes you want and, if necessary, to change the behavior of others to make this happen” can be exercised through force (Hard power) or attraction and persuasion (soft power). Unlike hard power, soft power encourages voluntary cooperation and shared commitment, making it a critical tool for sustainable peace.
