| ID | 090653 |
| Title Proper | Soft power and state-firm diplomacy |
| Other Title Information | Congress and IT corporate activity in China |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Miller, Jade |
| Publication | 2009. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | In today's globalized political economy, diplomacy between nation-states (state-state diplomacy) now exists alongside state-firm diplomacy, the negotiations between multinational corporations (MNCs) and the countries in which they do business. While the state must be committed to the interests of its MNCs in the interest of domestic state-firm diplomacy (maintaining a supportive business environment), it still has recourse to address failures in corporate diplomacy and to maintain the appearance of dominance on the world stage. This paper examined these strategies through a critical analysis of prepared testimony at the February 2006 congressional hearing regarding the controversial actions of four U.S. IT MNCs (Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Cisco) operating in China. I conclude that when the government is constrained from using its hard power on its MNCs, soft power becomes its most effective tool. Image, suggestion, and appearance-soft power-can be considered more important than legislation itself-hard power-and perhaps even the currency of current state-firm relations. |
| `In' analytical Note | International Studies Perspectives Vol. 10, No. 3; Aug 2009: p285-302 |
| Journal Source | International Studies Perspectives Vol. 10, No. 3; Aug 2009: p285-302 |
| Key Words | Soft Power ; State-Firm Diplomacy ; Information Technology ; Corporate Responsibility ; China ; Internet Censorship ; State–Firm Diplomacy |