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Small State, Big Influence? A qualitative study on Rwanda’s soft power strategy and Western perceptions

Eklöv, Efraim LU (2025) FKVK02 20251
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This study examines the role of small state soft power in shaping relations with external actors, using Rwanda as a case study. Rwanda’s military involvement in the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) stands in contrasts with the positive international image it has cultivated since the 1994 genocide. The country has positioned itself as an economic hub and enhanced its reputation through commitments to peacekeeping and global norms. Drawing on Joseph Nye’s concept of soft power, this thesis explores Rwanda’s strategic use of soft power and the responses of two key actors—the United Kingdom and the United States. A within-case comparison across two time periods highlights how international responses shifted... (More)
This study examines the role of small state soft power in shaping relations with external actors, using Rwanda as a case study. Rwanda’s military involvement in the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) stands in contrasts with the positive international image it has cultivated since the 1994 genocide. The country has positioned itself as an economic hub and enhanced its reputation through commitments to peacekeeping and global norms. Drawing on Joseph Nye’s concept of soft power, this thesis explores Rwanda’s strategic use of soft power and the responses of two key actors—the United Kingdom and the United States. A within-case comparison across two time periods highlights how international responses shifted with the resurgence of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group. Findings suggest that Rwanda’s soft power strategy initially granted it political leeway to pursue security interests in eastern DRC. However, as evidence of direct involvement became more visible, international support diminished. This case illustrates both the effectiveness and limits of soft power. While small states can influence perceptions and policy, sustained use of illegitimate hard power ultimately undermines their accumulated soft power and damages global reputation. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Eklöv, Efraim LU
supervisor
organization
course
FKVK02 20251
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Soft power, Rwanda, small states, international reputation, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, United Kingdom, United States
language
English
id
9191272
date added to LUP
2025-08-08 11:22:57
date last changed
2025-08-08 11:22:57
@misc{9191272,
  abstract     = {{This study examines the role of small state soft power in shaping relations with external actors, using Rwanda as a case study. Rwanda’s military involvement in the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) stands in contrasts with the positive international image it has cultivated since the 1994 genocide. The country has positioned itself as an economic hub and enhanced its reputation through commitments to peacekeeping and global norms. Drawing on Joseph Nye’s concept of soft power, this thesis explores Rwanda’s strategic use of soft power and the responses of two key actors—the United Kingdom and the United States. A within-case comparison across two time periods highlights how international responses shifted with the resurgence of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group. Findings suggest that Rwanda’s soft power strategy initially granted it political leeway to pursue security interests in eastern DRC. However, as evidence of direct involvement became more visible, international support diminished. This case illustrates both the effectiveness and limits of soft power. While small states can influence perceptions and policy, sustained use of illegitimate hard power ultimately undermines their accumulated soft power and damages global reputation.}},
  author       = {{Eklöv, Efraim}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Small State, Big Influence? A qualitative study on Rwanda’s soft power strategy and Western perceptions}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}