Use of Soft Power in Countering Intellectual Extremism and Terrorism

摘要

This writing recommends the use of soft power strategy as an alternative to hard power when combating intellectual extremism and terrorism, and highlights the different measures through which soft power may be exercised for this purpose. The Government of Pakistan, and particularly, the new setup, has shown its willingness and readiness for the promotion and development of soft power in the country. It has also taken some initiatives in dealing with matters if extremism and terrorism with the use of soft power, including lessening the sense of injustice and dissatisfaction in the society, the construction of houses and schools in the war affected areas, providing people of such areas with the basic necessities of life like food, shelter, and clothing, inviting the deprived sector who are forced to join terrorist groups to table talks, merging the tribal areas which have primarily been the hub of terrorist activities into the provincial government, and giving them representation at the legislative level.