The origins of both USA’s soft power force and of the analytical concept of soft power is the broad
consensus of social values conceived in the spirit of the Enlightenment, the theoretical basis of which
is a non-feudal and non-dynastic society based on human rights and individual freedom, and which
the American people consider a jewel of their conservative liberal value system, as enshrined in their
constitution.
This paper outlines the historical development of the value system and ideology that to this day
dominate Western Civilization, began during the XVII. century and flourished in the course of the
Enlightenment of the XVIII. century. The paper outlines furthermore the American exceptionalism and
sense of mission that originates from the establishment of the first American colonies in the 17th
century. As the origins of soft power analytical concept focus on what is considered to be the
universally-held value system of the United States, this study examines the ideals and thinkers of the
Enlightenment who have grounded this value system 'primarily' or 'just' from ideological distance,
most significantly the works and roles of Locke, Hobbes and Kant. In the chapter on American
exceptionalism and sense of mission, this study highlights the works and influence of the personalities
who, by simplifying, were the forerunners and main advocates of non-military policies and liberal
internationalism.
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