08 May Strengthening UK Soft Power: Strategic Recommendations
The UK Soft Power Group (UKSPG), which BFPG proudly co-convenes alongside the British Council, has today released its latest report, ‘Strengthening UK Soft Power: Strategic Recommendations’, on the role of soft power in achieving the UK’s international ambitions in a turbulent geopolitical and international environment.
Since the UK Soft Power Group first introduced a strategic framework for UK soft power in 2023, the international landscape has grown increasingly volatile. This challenging geopolitical context has placed hard power at the forefront of global politics – and the UK’s approach to it – in recent years. While hard power is clearly critical, soft power – that is, the ability to achieve a goal through attraction – is essential for creating the conditions for strengthening the UK’s alliances, diplomatic influence, and international credibility.
The result of collaboration between 20 of the UK’s biggest soft power assets, the report explores the significant benefits that the UK reaps from its soft power, from supporting international peace and security, to boosting economic growth and strengthening the UK’s relationship with Europe. Harnessing these benefits will be critical in order for the UK to meet the challenges of an increasingly turbulent geopolitical environment.
FULL REPORT
SUMMARY REPORT
Report Snapshot:
– The UK is the third most attractive nation brand and possesses a wealth of soft power, from its rich cultural history and language to its higher education system, sporting prowess, financial services, and media.
– This soft power strength plays a crucial role in maintaining the UK’s international position. From tackling misinformation in Ukraine to strengthening relationships with Europe and educating the public on climate change, soft power has a critical role to play in achieving all of the UK’s top foreign policy priorities.
– However, the UK’s soft power strength is not guaranteed. With China and Russia investing heavily in soft power, particularly in increasingly geostrategically important regions such as Africa, and the United States retreating from its traditional position on the world stage, the UK must strategically invest in its soft power in order to maintain its position.
– The report therefore identifies key opportunities for the Government and soft power assets to work collaboratively together in support of the UK’s international ambitions.
Report Recommendations:
– Establish a structured channel for engagement between Government and the wider soft power sector, including the UK Soft Power Group, alongside the Soft Power Council.
– Provide clarity on the Government’s strategic priorities and long-term planning horizons and develop predictable funding mechanisms for UK soft power.
– Enhance connectivity between soft power assets and overseas Posts by better leveraging existing on-the-ground expertise, mechanisms and institutions.
– Develop a ‘digital gateway to the UK’, a soft power digital platform where UK soft power assets can share resources, information on upcoming events and collaborate on projects.
– Develop provision for Whitehall Departments and devolved administrations to collectively address strategic issues and find practical solutions to opportunities and challenges in the soft power space.
About the UKSPG: Co-convened by BFPG and the British Council, the UK Soft Power Group (UKSPG) is the leading non-governmental organisation collectively representing soft power organisations in the UK. We represent many of the UK’s most treasured, compelling and active soft power organisations and institutions, with a truly diverse membership spanning the full breadth of UK soft power. The UK Soft Power Group aims to amplify the voice of the soft power sector and increase its centrality to Government strategic planning, emphasising the value of soft power as a foreign policy instrument.
UKSPG Members: Academy of Sport, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Ascot Racecourse, British Council, British Film Institute, British Foreign Policy Group, British Library, British Standards Institution, City of London, Coalition for Global Prosperity, Core Cities UK, The Jockey Club, London Higher, National Open College Network (NOCN), Premier League, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (RBG Kew), Science Museum Group, UK Sport, Wellcome Trust, Wilton Park.
To learn more about the UK Soft Power Group, membership or this report, please contact eliza.keogh@bfpg.co.uk.
