Soft Power and Global Influence Training Course

The Soft Power and Global Influence Training Course is a professionally structured program designed to provide participants with a clear and systematic understanding of influence in international affairs beyond military or economic power. Delivered by Geneve Institute of Business Management, the course focuses on how culture, values, communication, diplomacy, and international engagement contribute to credibility, reputation, and long-term global influence. The program examines the mechanisms through which states, institutions, and organizations shape perceptions, build trust, and maintain international standing within an increasingly interconnected global environment.

Target Group

• Diplomats, foreign affairs professionals, and public officials engaged in international relations and external cooperation.

• Policy advisors and analysts working in strategic communication, public diplomacy, and international affairs.

• Professionals within international organizations, cultural institutions, and global cooperation initiatives.

• Media, communication, and public relations professionals managing international messaging and reputation.

• Academics and postgraduate students specializing in international relations and global studies.

• Senior managers and consultants involved in international outreach and cross-border engagement.

Objectives

• To provide participants with a structured understanding of soft power concepts and global influence mechanisms.

• To explain the sources and instruments through which soft power is developed and sustained.

• To enhance awareness of the role of culture, values, and identity in shaping international perception.

• To examine the connection between public diplomacy, communication, and influence.

• To strengthen understanding of influence dynamics within multilateral and international settings.

• To support informed analysis of global influence trends in contemporary international affairs.

Course Outline 

• Concept and Definition of Soft Power

  • Explanation of soft power as a form of influence based on attraction, credibility, and persuasion.

  • Distinction between soft power and traditional forms of political or economic influence.

  • Importance of soft power in shaping international relationships and long-term outcomes.

• Soft Power in International Relations

  • Role of soft power in diplomatic engagement and foreign policy formulation.

  • Interaction between soft power and national interests in global affairs.

  • Influence of soft power on international cooperation and alignment.

• Cultural and Social Influence

  • Impact of culture, heritage, and social values on international perception.

  • Role of cultural exchange and international engagement in influence-building.

  • Contribution of national identity to global credibility and trust.

• Political Values and Governance

  • Relationship between governance practices and international reputation.

  • Influence of political values on legitimacy and moral authority.

  • Perception of institutions and leadership in global contexts.

• Public Diplomacy Frameworks

  • Purpose and structure of public diplomacy in international relations.

  • Government and institutional outreach to foreign audiences.

  • Long-term impact of public diplomacy initiatives on influence.

• Strategic Communication and Narratives

  • Role of messaging and narratives in shaping global opinion.

  • Managing national and institutional images internationally.

  • Communication consistency across diplomatic and public platforms.

• Influence in International Institutions

  • Soft power dynamics within multilateral organizations and global forums.

  • Consensus-building and persuasion in international decision-making.

  • Role of credibility and trust in institutional influence.

• International Cooperation and Partnerships

  • Soft power benefits of collaboration and alliance-building.

  • Influence through development assistance and cooperation programs.

  • Long-term relationship management in international partnerships.

• Globalization and Digital Influence

  • Impact of globalization on the spread of ideas and values.

  • Role of digital platforms in shaping international perceptions.

  • Opportunities and challenges of digital influence.

• Ethics and Sustainability of Influence

  • Ethical considerations in influence and persuasion practices.

  • Responsible use of soft power in international engagement.

  • Long-term sustainability of global influence strategies.