The "Displayer" And Propeller Of American Soft Power-Hollywood Movies In The21^ST Century

The concept of soft power has drawn worldwide attention since it was developed byJoseph S. Nye in the early1990s. Due to the contributions of scholars both at home andabroad, it gradually evolved into a systematic soft power theory. With the acceleratedprocess of globalization, soft power has become more important in the competition ofoverall national strength among different countries. Research on soft power has beenextended to various areas, and has been conducted from different perspectives such as fromthe regional or enterprise persective, but research from the perspective of popularentertainment is not common in the academic world. As the flagship of popularentertainment, the role of Hollywood movies in enhancing American soft power is oftenneglected. The auther of the thesis believes that Hollywood movies, especially the moviesin the21st century, has served as a powerful support and impetus to the development ofAmerican soft power since the soft power theory was advanced. According to Nye, the softpower of a country rests primarily on three sources: its culture, its values and its policies.As an American goodwill ambassador, Hollywood movies demonstrate distinctiveAmerican values and ideologies all the time, energetically promoting American soft power.Under the framework of soft power theory and on the basis of the current research findings,the thesis makes a thorough inquiry into the American lifestyle, values and ideologiesembodied by Hollywood movies and the role they play in magnetizing viewers andexerting subtle influences on the lifestyle, values and ideologies of the audience all overthe world. In this way, Hollywood has cultivated popularity among people from differentcountries with its fascinating movies, vigorously propelling the development of Americansoft power. Research conducted from the perspective of popular entertainment provides afresh aspect for the readers to develop a sophisticated understanding of American softpower, and offers the reference for building up China’s soft power as well.