Voices supporting VOA

‘soft power’

VOA has long been considered to be a part of America's arsenal of soft power, which is the ability to influence countries through persuasion and attraction rather than coercion. Experts say VOA helps to advance U.S. goals without the use of hard power, like military force. They note that VOA's ability to positively shape its audience's views about the United States should not be underrated, saying it leads to international support for U.S. initiatives and policies.