The energy factor as an instrument of "hard" and "soft" power in contemporary world politics

Кондов, Костянтин Володимирович and Билан, Антон Володимирович (2025) The energy factor as an instrument of "hard" and "soft" power in contemporary world politics Вісник науки та освіти, 41 (11). pp. 4166-4175. ISSN 2786-6165

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Abstract

The article examines the role of the energy factor as a universal instrument of political influence in contemporary world politics, implemented through mechanisms of “hard” and “soft” power. The authors analyze the evolution of the concept of political influence in the context of the transformation of the international relations system, emphasizing that energy can simultaneously act as a means of coercion (through economic sanctions, energy leverage) and as a resource of attractiveness (economic investments, technological innovations).The theoretical basis of the concept of “soft power” proposed by Joseph Nye and its modern addition to the concept of “smart power,” which integrates ‘hard’ and “soft” instruments of influence to increase the effectiveness of foreign policy, are studied. The emphasis is on analyzing the development of soft power instruments in the fields of culture, diplomacy, international cooperation, and innovative technologies. Particular attention is paid to the role of non-state, transnational actors who, along with states, possess resources of political influence, including energy, information, and technology. The energy factor is seen as a multidimensional political resource that increases competition between global actors in the complex conditions of globalization.The article also analyzes the current state of international energy relations, noting the increasing importance of energy security, as well as the variety of ways energy instruments of influence are used in geopolitical conflicts. The authors conclude that the energy factor today is not only a means of “hard power,” but also a key element of “soft power” and “smart power,” shaping political strategies and influencing the balance of power in global politics.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Energy factor; hard power; soft power; political influence; geopolitics; international relations; energy security; smart power; Joseph Nye; diplomacy; innovation
Subjects:	Статті у періодичних виданнях > Фахові (входять до переліку фахових, затверджений МОН)
Divisions:	Факультет суспільно-гуманітарних наук > Кафедра політології та соціології
Depositing User:	Костянтин Кондов
Date Deposited:	11 Mar 2026 17:39
Last Modified:	11 Mar 2026 17:39
URI:	https://elibrary.kubg.edu.ua/id/eprint/56618

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