It's an interesting question.  I'd like to think about it some and read your discussion with Drew and then offer my thoughts on it.

 At first glance, it may be that there have been some rather too-isolated instances of the US' use of "soft power".  

 One thing I'll need is a much clearer idea of exactly what that term means, as you use and understand it.

  Good question, though.  Interesting question.

"In such an environment it is not surprising that the ills of technology should seem curable only through the application of more technology..." John W Aldridge