Ep. 03 Bonus: China Fills the Soft Power Vacuum

Episode Summary:

In this bonus episode of Understandable Insights, Sue and Eric discuss China's increasing influence within multilateral organizations like the United Nations through strategic funding, staffing, and diplomatic coalitions. Amidst U.S. retrenchment from these bodies, the conversation explores the implications of China's investments in global institutions like the WHO and ITU and how this shift affects international norms and U.S. strategic interests. They also touch upon the challenges the U.S. faces in countering China's strategic positioning without adequate expertise and investment, highlighting a need for reassessment of U.S. global leadership roles.

Timestamps: 

0:00 Introduction to Understandable Insights

01:11 The Concept of Soft Power

04:48 Global Reactions and Implications

06:31 US Response and Strategic Considerations

11:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Articles:

"Trump Left U.S. Foreign Policy Hollow. Biden Made It Worse"
Financial Times, July 2025
https://on.ft.com/4f57TPS

"State Department Cuts China Experts, Raising Concerns Over U.S. Soft Power"
NPR, July 24, 2025
https://www.npr.org/2025/07/24/nx-s1-5477523/state-department-cuts-china-experts