Unconventional U.S. soft power: human perception, UFOs

By Steve Hammons

As the U.S. takes a second look at benefits and advantages of the use of "soft power" in international affairs, we might consider some unconventional elements that could fall within this general concept.

Soft power is usually considered to be the ability to attract friends and allies and mitigate adversarial situations by way of the attraction of your nation, society or group.

This attraction may be based on cultural, historical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, political, economic or other kinds of assets or features of a given country or people.

Recent efforts to market or advertise positive aspects of America and the policies of the previous administration through public relations projects were not perceived to be especially successful.
What else can be done now as we move forward?

ABOUT AMERICA

Conventional elements of soft power can be communicated through media platforms such as films, TV, music, books and other creative endeavors. Positive aspects of these creative activities can provide understanding and insight that result in constructive perception about the America.

In some cases, for example, the themes of Hollywood movies may run counter to official U.S. Government policies at a given time. This tells people around the world that some Americans do not always agree with certain government activities and policies.

In other cases, movies, TV and books may just delve into the complexities and gray areas of a range of topics that shed light on the many aspects of American society and the diverse history and nature of the American people.

For example, there has long been international interest in Native American Indians and the rich cultures they represent. This history since the arrival of Europeans is somewhat well known. The more ancient background of the original Americans is less-well understood.

Deeper and more complex aspects of their experiences in North America (and South America) are still being explored today. And, more understanding about their perspectives might be helpful now.

Of particular interest is the growing awareness in U.S. society about the Native American Indian DNA many American families have within them from long-forgotten ancestors. Many Americans who self-identify as white, black, Hispanic or even Asian actually have native ancestry in their genetic make-up. Some are aware of this and some are not, though they may suspect it.

In other fields involving the sciences, natural phenomena and the human experience, the international interest in certain unconventional research, speculation and discoveries might also be assets for the U.S., especially where there has been American involvement or leadership.

This may be one of the areas where we can find interesting, nimble, innovative and outside-the-box unconventional elements of soft power that can be used to good effect.

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

One example of unconventional areas in which Americans and the U.S. Government have been or may have been involved include the military and intelligence communities' Project STARGATE. This effort conducted research and operational activities in the 1970s, '80s and '90s regarding human perception and intelligence gathering.

Although much of the operational elements of Project STARGATE remain classified, there is a rich resource of information available on the program's interesting findings about human awareness and perceptual abilities.

Americans provided significant leadership in the research and subsequent public communication and education about these findings which may impact human development in very constructive ways.

What about the controversial topic of unidentified flying objects or UFOs? Interest in this topic seems to transcend international borders because these kinds of unusual objects have reportedly been sighted and encountered around the world.

Several national governments have recently released historical documents about the subject. More such documentation and information probably remains classified.

In the U.S., information on this seems to come out in discreet and indirect ways, and reportedly may be part of gradual acclimation and disclosure for the public about a complex and sensitive situation.

Is U.S. involvement in this area something that can be utilized to enhance American soft power? Do we have insights, technologies and expertise that can be helpful for the international community, the human race and planet Earth?

When considering ways to transcend international conflict and find solutions to pressing challenges faced by the human race, it may be wise to not rule out unconventional approaches.

These kinds of efforts can complement conventional soft power elements and contribute to transcendent power.

Deploying information, communication and education on interesting unconventional subjects may unify people, nationally and internationally, and help bring transcendent viewpoints, perceptions and awareness into focus.