Employing U.S. Navy Hospital Ships in Support of Soft Power Projection

: Over the last decade the United States has arguably slipped from the world s only true super power to a country now being challenged by China. We are seen as an aggressor by numerous world leaders and nations while China is viewed as a willing player who provides economic resources and medical aid to developing and struggling nations. The United State s seeming decline in foreign policy can be directly attributed to the employment of hard power such as military engagements in multiple countries that support non-state actors and terrorists. One way to stem the negative flow perception and gain support from these world nations is through the robust diplomacy and use of soft power projection.