Reactionaries have never understood the geopolitical power of culture and business. They hear the word “soft power,” and it makes their 6-year-old boy brains think that only bombs are real influence.

Ultimately though, the carrot is far cheaper than the stick--and far more effective. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/apr/05/american-soft-power-iran-war