Joseph S. Nye Jr., an American international relations scholar and Harvard University professor, has passed away. Professor Nye established the concept of "soft power," which is distinct from "hard power" like military force in international politics.
The Harvard Crimson reported that Professor Nye passed away on the 7th (local time) the day before. He was 88 years old.
Professor Nye served as a professor at Harvard for 60 years, developing concepts such as soft power, smart power, and neoliberalism. He joined the faculty in 1964, shortly after earning his doctorate, and played an important role in the development of the John F. Kennedy School of Government, serving as dean from 1995 to 2004.
In particular, he applied his thoughts to the government, serving in key positions in U.S. national security during the administrations of Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. He also led various multinational policy organizations, including the Aspen Strategy Group.
From 1989 to 1993, while leading the Belfer Center (then the Center for Science and International Relations), he conducted groundbreaking research on the threats posed by the loose control of nuclear weapons following the collapse of the Soviet Union after the Cold War. This research had a direct impact on policies to protect the United States from the dangers of "loose nukes," and he later oversaw nuclear proliferation policy while serving as Chairperson of the National Intelligence Council and Deputy Minister in the Ministry of National Defense during the Clinton administration.
Professor Nye was known for valuing U.S. alliances, including the U.S.-South Korea alliance. In a discussion hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) think tank last February, he noted, "The most important way we can enhance deterrence is by maintaining our alliances," adding, "If China has Russia and North Korea, the United States has alliances with Europe, Australia, Japan, and South Korea."
Following news of Professor Nye's passing, tributes to him poured in. Former Secretary of State Tony Blinken said, "He was a friend and mentor to many who lived a truly remarkable life," adding, "Few have contributed so much to our intellectual assets and understanding of the world."
Lawrence Summers, a former Treasury Secretary and Harvard professor, stated, "There are very few like Nye in universities today," and added, "I will miss him deeply, but his writings will continue to influence many for a long time to come."
Nicholas Burns, a former ambassador to China and a professor at Harvard Kennedy School, recalled, "Many considered him an indispensable mentor," and noted, "He was a giant in our lives and at the Kennedy School."
Graham Allison, the founding dean of Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and a fishing companion of Professor Nye, remarked, "He was a strong pillar of Harvard, HKS, and the Belfer Center," noting that "His passion was to develop policy-relevant knowledge on the most important issues of war and peace, and he took great pride in his intellectual contributions and practical efforts to prevent nuclear war during the Carter and Clinton administrations."