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US Soft Power Declines as China and Russia Rise

6/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The US is stepping back from global collaboration, cutting support for free media and aid, while China and Russia are ramping up their media investments to expand their influence. In the wake of Brexit, the UK is forming a soft power council to counter its declining appeal. Meanwhile, China's cultural exports and tech innovations are capturing worldwide attention, highlighting the US's diminishing soft power amid political meddling in education.

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Story summary

The US is stepping back from global collaboration, cutting support for free media and aid, while China and Russia are ramping up their media investments to expand their influence. In the wake of Brexit, the UK is forming a soft power council to counter its declining appeal. Meanwhile, China's cultural exports and tech innovations are capturing worldwide attention, highlighting the US's diminishing soft power amid political meddling in education.