So, from the example cited, the best way for Australia to extend its 'soft power' overseas is to construct a number of large warships and vessels with advanced systems and capabilities able to project 'hard power' across the globe…

And to then deploy both them and their military and naval crews to overwhelm small nation celebrations.

Oh, and don't forget to chuck in the marching band. Now about those large flags and banners – whose are they? Ours or theirs?

Interesting use of the word 'soft'.

Depending on your point of view it may even be 'smart' – but it is unquestionably 'Power'.

"The U.S. has shown that it is possible to greatly leverage soft power to promote its interests and values abroad, and while Australia also makes use of soft power we need to be much smarter in how we go about it."

Julie, it is clear that, since the end of WW2, the U.S. has mainly relied on HARD POWER to bully the world into submission. Have you seen the photograph of the little Vietnamese girl burned by napalm? Are you aware of how many millions the U.S. has killed or injured since 1945 to say nothing about those wounded or adversely affected by horrors like Agent Orange, depleted uranium, and phosphorous munitions?

While you and Julia act as servile, one-eyed salespeople for the imperial U.S., you can hardly expect to get respect or the attention of thinking people who see clearly what the U.S. is trying to achieve: world domination using military force, assassination squads, rendition, torture, invasion and occupation, drones, etc!

America is using Australia. Can't you see that?

Julie Bishop needs to be congratulated for raising awareness about the urgent need for Australia to make far better use and greter impact of its soft power in support of Australia's place in the world.

Australia's lack of a coherent strategy for combining hard and soft power is evident in many ways and to many key stakeholders including diasporas.

First, the way Australia governments have underfunded DFAT and made it risk averse and reluctant to introduce innovation to its policy, stakeholder engagement, communication and recruitment systems for decades at a time when innovative soft power is urgently needed to support Australia's image and influence in the world.

Second, Australia's Government, federal departments and universities have still not mastered the art and science of nurturing high quality, sustainable and meaningful relations with Australia's alumni even though the technology and management best practices are widely available for such strategic activity. What is missing from the scene is strategy, culture, quality resources and momentum to harness value from the alumni and the wider friendship network that Australia can benefit from.

It is hoped that the recent Inquiry into Australia's Diplomatic Representation will be taken seriously by all the major players in the Australian Government and the Australian Parliament and beyond.

The recent federal budget which effectively reduced Australia's overseas aid budget tells the world that the relevant Ministers and the Treasury and the Department of Finance still do not understand the importance of using soft power to make up for the cuts in the defence budget as well as the budget for DFAT.

Australia diplomatic and soft power capabilities and performance have to be constantly upgraded to world best practice.

Australia's capabilities, budgets and behaviour will be scrutinised at the UN Security Council in September this year where Australia is hoping to win a non-permanent seat where it can reclaim lost ground and improve its image and reputation as a creative middle power.

Yes, it's pretty well been HARD power all the way.

The U.S. has done wonders for "American Samoa"(not).
http://cs.bluecc.edu/stuproj/cs195w09//sagote/Poverty.html

"The U.S. has shown that it is possible to greatly leverage soft power to promote its interests and values abroad"

Great, what about the hard-power, ramping up the massive killing of innocent people using 'drones', US hegemony is unpalatable at the periphery and immoral at the core.

Setting standards by looking at the US is like comparing an innocent child with the likes of Joseph Stalin. As to US values, perhaps you should as the 50 odd million people living on food stamps in the US or those lacking basic medical care, whilst those in power in the US continue to shift wealth, buy illegal means, from the 99% to those in the 1%.

Get a grip Julie, if this is your current thought process, God help us if the Libs gain power next year.

Since 1945, the US has attempted to overthrow more than 50 governments, most of them democratically elected. It has attempted to suppress a populist or national movement in 20 countries. It has grossly interfered in democratic elections in at least 30 countries. It has dropped bombs on the people of more than 30 countries. And it has attempted to assassinate more than 50 foreign leaders.

The threat to global peace and stability does not lie with Iran, or with China for that matter or any other bogeyman the Pentagon cares to dream up. The major threat to peace on this planet comes from the US.

As we watch the possible build up to a US/Israeli-led war with Iran and bear witness to the wail of propaganda and the deception of peace through the barrel of a gun, the world is told that Iran threatens global stability due to what is becoming an incessant pro war media onslaught despite no credible evidence that indicates Iran is actually developing nuclear weapons at all.

Syria will be just one more stepping stone in Washington's march to PAX Amerikana.