The UK has a duty to use its soft power as a force for good

In an article for the Coalition for Global Prosperity, Kate Fairhurst, Director at Henham, argues the UK’s soft power is one of our greatest strengths.

The UK has many soft power assets that it can be proud of; its world-leading education institutions, its approach to science and technological innovation, its sport, its culture, and its values. Our advantage leaves us ideally placed to build alliances across the world and gives us a route to participating in the most important conversations about global security, international development and diplomacy. 

In the cut and thrust of domestic politics, particularly at a time of such significant economic challenge, it is easy to forget the bigger picture. Quite often, countries all over the world have a far more positive view of the UK than we do of ourselves. Our reach across the globe is something to be both proud of and harness for good.

The UK doesn’t just have an opportunity to use its soft power, but it has a duty to use it.