The Battle for Global Influence: Why Soft Power Still Matters
JUDJ-Prepared Summary from April 23, 2025 | Trump’s Foreign Policy: The Impact on Global Democracy and U.S. National Security
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and Stanford professor Michael McFaul issued a powerful warning about the erosion of America’s global influence. Drawing on decades of diplomatic service and scholarship, McFaul examined the growing threats posed by authoritarian regimes, the dismantling of America’s soft power architecture, and the consequences of retreating from the world stage. His message was clear: if the United States abandons its leadership role in promoting democracy, development, and diplomacy, it will not only cede ground to China and Russia—it will compromise its own future prosperity and security.
Democracy Is Not a Spectator Sport
McFaul began by highlighting a core premise of American foreign policy since World War II: that democracy and freedom are universal values worth defending. He expressed concern that the Trump administration’s systematic cuts to institutions like USAID, the National Endowment for Democracy, Voice of America, and the U.S. Institute of Peace represent a form of unilateral disarmament in the global competition for influence.
During the Cold War, he reminded the audience, the U.S. didn’t just wait for the world to embrace democracy—it invested in it. That same strategic foresight is needed now, especially in an era of rising authoritarianism.
Global Competition in a New Era
McFaul emphasized that the geopolitical landscape today is more complex than during the Cold War. China and Russia have become increasingly aligned, with China presenting a particularly formidable challenge through its global Belt and Road Initiative, investments in new technologies, and aggressive diplomacy.
And yet, McFaul argued, the U.S. is actively weakening the very tools it needs to compete: educational exchanges, development assistance, public diplomacy, and the global promotion of democratic values. “If you think the Chinese threat is serious,” he said, “we’re doing everything to weaken our ability to compete.”
Why Africa, Asia, and Civil Society Matter
Turning to specific regions, McFaul called attention to sub-Saharan Africa—a continent with the fastest-growing population and enormous economic potential. Chinese influence there is expanding rapidly, while leaked memos suggest the Trump team is considering closing a majority of U.S. embassies on the continent. McFaul called this not only shortsighted but dangerous. “If all you care about is national security,” he said, “you still need diplomats and embassies.”
He shared a story from his time in government when diplomacy—not military force—was key to maintaining a critical U.S. airbase in Kyrgyzstan. Without that diplomatic infrastructure, he warned, even core national security operations are at risk.
A Crisis of Confidence—and a Message of Hope
McFaul also spoke to the growing uncertainty abroad about whether America still wants to lead. While world leaders continue to seek engagement with the U.S., many are privately wondering whether the era of American leadership is over.
Despite these concerns, McFaul remains optimistic. He has traveled across the country, from Fresno to Montana, speaking about the importance of American engagement. The response has been heartening. “Americans don’t want to be just a cynical, transactional country,” he said. “They want to believe in something bigger.”
Reclaiming America’s Role
The conversation concluded with a call to action. McFaul stressed that if Americans want to live in a free, prosperous, and secure world, they must support the institutions and values that sustain it. This includes diplomacy, development, and democratic alliances.
Quoting General James Mattis, McFaul reminded the audience: “If you don’t fund diplomacy, you better buy me more bullets.” In other words, retreating from soft power doesn’t bring peace—it makes future conflicts more likely. And for McFaul, the stakes couldn’t be clearer: “We are at a critical turning point in the history of the world and America’s place in it.”
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.