Comparing Soft Power Instruments in Latin America: the Case of Spain and US

The goal of the graduation thesis is to analyse the efficiency of soft power instruments presently applied by the USA and Spain in Latin America. The study considers historical, economic, socio-cultural and political context of cooperation in Ibero-American region. The study underlines constant extension of the concept of soft power due to the development of information technologies and mass communication media. The research is focused on present-day international policy of the USA and Spain in Latin America and analyses, compares and contrasts soft power instruments, i.e. methods, means and practices, which the concept is based on, as well as the results of their application by the actors in the region. The research has shown that despite the dominant role of the US in Latin American countries Spain is constantly improving their soft power instruments and successfully competes with the US. Besides, the arrival of China in the region fosters strengthening of the partnership between the US and Spain. The study has also proved ambiguity of particular approaches to detecting efficacy of certain soft power instruments in a particular country. Based on the obtained results of analysing soft power instruments the author provides recommendations for improving American and Spanish soft power to increase its efficacy. The study can be continued and efficacy of soft power instruments of the US and Spain in Latin American countries can be analysed and contrasted against those of China. The materials could be of interest for students and professors of International Relations academic course and people concerned with foreign policy strategies of the 21st century. Keywords: soft power, cultural policy, public diplomacy.