Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal
Vol-03, Issue-2 (Apr-Jun 2025)
An International scholarly/ academic journal, peer-reviewed/ refereed journal, ISSN : 2960-0006
Exertion of Global Influence with Full Spectrum in both Hard and Soft Power A Study of the United States of America (USA) And The Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC)
Manya, Nura Umar
Department of Crime Management Prevention and Control, Zamfara State College of Arts and Science Gusau (ZACAS)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9119
Page No.: 99–105
Subject: Political Science / International Relations / Security Studies
Received: Jan 13, 2025
Accepted: March 07, 2025
Published: April 01, 2025
Thematic Classification: Hard Power, Soft Power, Geopolitics, USA-China Relations, Global Influence.
Abstract
This paper examines the contemporary world system, in two countries that have exerted global influence within the ambit of this essay are the United States of America (USA) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Their selection for this work is hinged on their capabilities in terms of global decision making, population size, territory (Geography), natural resources (Geology), economic strength, military force, social stability, science and technological advancement, diplomatic power, culture and security maximization
Keywords: Power, Hard power, Soft Power, USA, China, Persuasion, Coercion.
Impact Statement
This study explores the dynamic interplay of hard and soft power in shaping global influence, with a comparative focus on the United States of America (USA) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It highlights the evolving strategies of both nations as they assert their presence across military, economic, technological, cultural, and diplomatic domains. The research provides a critical understanding of how these global powers wield a full-spectrum approach—balancing coercive capabilities (hard power) with persuasive, value-driven engagement (soft power). The impact of this study lies in its relevance to contemporary international relations and policy-making. By analyzing how both countries project power and influence globally, it offers strategic insights for scholars, diplomats, defense analysts, and political leaders. It contributes to academic discourse on global geopolitics, power dynamics, and the future of global governance, while also serving as a valuable resource for developing balanced foreign policy and diplomatic strategies in an increasingly multipolar world.
About The Author
Nura Umar Manya Manya was born in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State. After his Primary education in Ibrahim Gusau Model Primary School, Gusau; he attended Government Secondary School Kaura Namoda. He obtained a Diploma in Public Administration from the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda in Zamfara state. He later obtained a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Abdu Gusau Polytechnic Talata Mafara, Zamfara; after which he obtained a HND in Cooperative Economic Management from the Federal Cooperative College Kaduna. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the Usman Danfodio University Sokoto, he went further to acquire a Master’s degree in Security and Strategic Administration and also a Master’s of Philosophy in Defence and Security Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy. He is also a Ph.D fellow with Nasarawa State University, Keffi. He also obtained International certificates of Strategic Intelligence and Advanced Security in the Field from United Nations Department of Safety and Security UNDSS. Peacekeeping and International and Conflict Resolution, Ethics in Peacekeeping from Peace Operation Training Institute. Fundamentals of Risk Management, Surveillance Awareness, Introduction to Homeland Security Planning, from US Department of Homeland Security. He has published widely in reputable journals, both nationally and internationally. His areas of research interest include National and International Defence, Security, Cooperative, Criminology and Correctional. He is presently a lecturer with the Zamfara State College of Arts and Science (ZACAS), Gusau. He is also a serving officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service in the Superintendent Cadre; He also an In-charge further studies in Nigerian Correctional Service Zone ‘N’ Zamfara and Katsina.
Cite this Article
APA 7th Edition: Manya, N. U. (2025). Exertion of global influence with full spectrum in both hard and soft power: A study of the United States of America (USA) and the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC). Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 3(2), 99–105. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9119
MLA 9th Edition: Manya, Nura Umar. “Exertion of Global Influence with Full Spectrum in both Hard and Soft Power: A Study of the United States of America (USA) And The Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC).” Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, vol. 3, no. 2, 2025, pp. 99-105. doi:10.59231/edumania/9119.
Chicago 17th Edition: Manya, Nura Umar. “Exertion of Global Influence with Full Spectrum in both Hard and Soft Power: A Study of the United States of America (USA) And The Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC).” Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal 3, no. 2 (2025): 99–105. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9119.
Statements and Declarations
Peer-Review Method: This article has undergone a double-blind peer-review process by independent external reviewers with expertise in International Relations and Global Security. This process ensures the scholarly rigor, analytical depth, and objective evaluation of the comparative power dynamics discussed between the USA and the PRC.
Competing Interest: The author, Nura Umar Manya, declares that there are no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work, analysis, or conclusions reported in this paper.
Data Availability: The findings of this study are based on the analysis of qualitative data, geopolitical reports, and established theoretical frameworks of power. All secondary data sources and literary references used to support the comparison of hard and soft power exertion are fully cited within the article and are accessible through academic databases.
Ethical Approval: This research adheres to the ethical standards of the Zamfara State College of Arts and Science Gusau (ZACAS). As a qualitative study focusing on political theory and international relations, it did not involve human participants or animal subjects requiring clinical ethical clearance. The study maintains a high standard of academic integrity and objective reporting.
License © 2025 by Manya, N. U. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). This license allows for the sharing and adaptation of the material, provided appropriate credit is given to the original author and the source. Published by the International Council for Education Research and Training (ICERT).
Funding This research was conducted as an individual scholarly project within the Department of Crime Management Prevention and Control, Zamfara State College of Arts and Science Gusau (ZACAS). No specific grants from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors were received for this study.
References
Cooper. (2014). American power in the 21st century.
Gallarotti. (2011). Soft power, What it is, it is importance. Journal of Political Power, 4(1), 29.
Heng, Y. (2010). Mirror, Mirror on the wall. International Relations of the Asia-Pacific, P275.
Jaque, M. (2014). Gaiko-diplomacy magazine.
Mead. (2004). America’s sticky Power (Foreign Policy issue 141).
Nye. (2004). Soft power. The means to Success in world politics & Public Affairs.
Nye, J. (2006). A smarter and more secure America.
Nye, J. (2008). The power to lead.
Nye, J. Understanding international conflict.
Nye, J. S. (1990). Soft power. Foreign Policy, (80). https://doi.org/10.2307/1148580