America is changing, but it’s still America the great

America is a paradox. It’s a country that can put a man on the moon but can’t fix its own potholes. It leads the world in technological innovation yet makes voting more complicated than setting up a Wi-Fi router. It boasts world-class universities, but in some cities, you can’t always drink the tap water.

So, what’s the secret sauce that keeps America influential on the global stage? It’s not humanitarian aid or model governance. America’s real soft power lies in its unrivaled capacity to shape minds, markets and imaginations. 

About the Author

Faisal Al Mutar

Faisal Al Mutar

Faisal Saeed Al Mutar is a social entrepreneur and founder of Ideas Beyond Borders, an organization advancing free thought, innovation, and policy reform in the Middle East. He has spoken on global platforms including TED and has been recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award by Barack Obama and an honorary doctorate from Whittier College.