Hendrik W. Ohnesorge, Managing Director of the Center for Global Studies at the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, reflects on the persistent relevance of soft power in the context of contemporary geopolitical transformations, arguing that, despite the return of hard power and the escalation of international tensions, the influence of ideas, perception, and public opinion remains decisive in international relations and the global prestige of the United States.