Joseph S. Nye Jr.: A legacy of influence in international relations and the evolution of power

The field of international relations has lost one of its most distinguished figures with the passing of Joseph S. Nye Jr. at the age of 88. A former Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and University Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, Nye’s intellectual contributions profoundly shaped contemporary understandings of global politics, particularly through his development of neoliberal theory and the groundbreaking concept of “soft power.”

His death, announced on May 7, 2025, by HKS Dean Jeremy M. Weinstein, marks the end of an era for a scholar whose work seamlessly bridged academic theory and high-level policymaking. Nye’s influence extended far beyond his prolific writings; he was a respected mentor and a central figure in shaping the institutions he served. He left an indelible mark on how power and influence are perceived and exercised on the world stage.

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