The Anthem Handbook of Soft Power and Public Diplomacy in the Age of AI

Naren Chitty, Craig Hayden, Hendrik W. Ohnesorge, Chenjun Wang

Anthem Press, May 5, 2026 - Political Science - 354 pages

Examines how artificial intelligence is transforming global influence, offering theoretical insights and practical perspectives on diplomacy, culture, conflict, and governance

Soft Power and Public Diplomacy in the Age of AI brings together leading voices and fresh perspectives to explore how AI is reshaping the landscape of influence in global affairs. Long described as “conjoined twins,” soft power and public diplomacy find new meaning and urgency in a world transformed by digital technologies and generative AI. This timely volume addresses the theoretical gaps that have long challenged public diplomacy scholarship, offering a unique, interdisciplinary lens that connects the superordinate concept of influence with emerging AI capabilities. From bioelectronic measurement of soft power’s impact to AI’s role in narrative warfare and counter-disinformation, the book covers critical terrain for scholars, students, policymakers, and practitioners alike.
The chapters span theory, narratives, culture, governance, and conflict. Readers will find thought-provoking analyses of celebrity influence in elections, generative AI’s role in cultural projection at global events, the network society’s impact on diplomacy, cyber power in conflict zones, and the balancing act between digital diplomacy, transparency, and security.
Featuring contributions from eminent international scholars alongside new voices, the volume pushes the field’s boundaries, offering essential insights for anyone interested in how attraction, persuasion, and power operate in the age of AI. Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, or policymaker, Soft Power and Public Diplomacy in the Age of AI will deepen your understanding of how influence is made, measured, and contested in our rapidly evolving world.

Contents

• Figures: 1991
• Introduction: 1997
• A Biometrically Testable View of AttractionBased Influence: 2004

About the author

Naren Chitty is professor emeritus at Macquarie University, Australia where he founded the Soft Power Analysis and Research Centre (SPARC).

Craig Hayden chairs the Security Studies Department at the Marine Corps University (USA). He co-edited The Routledge Handbook of Soft Power (2016).

Chenjun Wang lectures at University of Sydney (Australia) and is a researcher at the Soft Power Analysis and Research Centre (SPARC) at Macquarie University (Australia).

Hendrik W. Ohnesorge is Managing Director, Center for Global Studies, University of Bonn (Germany). His latest book is titled Soft Power and the Future of US Foreign Policy (2023).

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Anthem Handbook of Soft Power and Public Diplomacy in the Age of AI; Volume 1 of Anthem Studies in Soft Power and Public Diplomacy; Volume 2 of Anthem Handbooks
• Editors: Naren Chitty, Craig Hayden, Hendrik W. Ohnesorge, Chenjun Wang
• Publisher: Anthem Press, 2026
• ISBN: 183999665X, 9781839996658
• Length: 354 pages
• Subjects: Political Science / International Relations / Diplomacy; Political Science / Public Policy / Science & Technology Policy; Political Science / Security (National & International)