Importance From macroeconomic perspectives, the USA focuses on domestic economic growth and reallocation of global resources in the U.S. favor. From geopolitical perspectives, the USA strives to keep its dominance in international affairs. Objectives I analyze the form and methods of the U.S. ‘soft power’ arsenal, determine where the U.S. employs its ‘soft/smart power’ and identify methods the USA uses in the information warfare against Russia, application of ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ power against China. I also review indirect activities against non-grata States, principal trends in the U.S. peacekeeping campaigns. Methods I conduct a horizontal and comparative analysis of global events, use official documents and proceedings by the Russian and foreign scholars. I also perform the content analysis of the U.S. policy and strategy for the ‘soft power’ arsenal and compare the findings with possible threats to the SCO countries. Results The article demonstrates that the U.S. will deploy the information warfare methods against those countries which advocate the multipolar world and strive to their independence from the USA. The USA may implement the indirect approach strategy in relation to the non-grata States, demonstrating its preparedness for military actions and neglecting principles of international laws. Conclusions and Relevance Whereas the USA consistently resorts to the arsenal of ‘soft power’, it fuels the global instability and threatens the national security of some countries, including the SCO countries. The national sovereignty of the SCO States shall be protected in case of sanctions, and collective efforts shall be made to address key regional and global issues.
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