Smartness as prudence: smart power and classical realism

Abstract

The concept of smart power has gained wide currency. It may be argued, however, that the term is more persuasive than informative, a problem shared with the associated concepts of soft and hard power. This article shows that smart power covers a conceptual understanding with more depth than meets the eye, relying on elements of classical realism and in particular ideas of prudent statesmanship. Highlighting the connection between current, policy-oriented understandings of smart power, and key elements of classical realism, I bring increased theoretical depth to the concept and–in effect–a re-interpretation of the idea of smart power.