Higher Education and the Realist Core of Soft Power: A Comparative Study of Major and Small States

Higher education is recognised as a vital component of soft power in the era of globalisation, serving as a useful diplomatic tool for many countries, including global giants like the United States (US) and China, as well as small states such as Singapore and Taiwan. Through higher education, countries pursue their specific diplomatic objectives, shaping attractive national images to influence the preferences of people in other countries. This article delves into the role of higher education as a crucial instrument of soft power, offering a case-studies-analysis of different countries. It argues that the essence of soft power still lies in the tangible materials, in which economic power plays a crucial role. Therefore, the soft power of countries that integrate education and diplomacy is still a manifestation of realism, and the soft power of small states cannot normally compete with that of great powers. However, the higher education exchanges between Taiwan and Malaysia are influenced by more than just economic factors. These include Malaysia’s own multi-ethnic population structure, the differing political positions within the Chinese community in Malaysia regarding cross-strait relations, Taiwan’s advantages in religious freedom and cultural inclusivity, as well as the uncertainty that the worsening US-China rivalry increasingly shapes how other countries assess the risks and benefits of engaging with China.