Dataset of ‘Interpreting Emerging Strategies in Soft Power: Model & Modalities of India and South Korea’

This study examines the soft power strategies of India and South Korea, focusing on their respective models and methods. Both countries have emerged as significant middle powers, boasting distinct cultural, economic, and technological strengths that shape their global presence. The study compares their approaches, emphasizing how cultural diplomacy, people-to-people exchanges, public diplomacy, and strategic branding enhance their international reputation. The analysis also examines how these soft power strategies influence bilateral relations and regional dynamics, which in turn impact their global standing and diplomatic influence. This dataset acts as a resource for analyzing and interpreting emerging soft power strategies adopted by India and South Korea, respectively, to expand their influence and presence in their soft power efforts. The data was collected through a web-based questionnaire distributed primarily to people aged 18 – 61 and above in India. A total of 511 valid data points were collected from respondents across 28 states and one union territory in India, providing extensive geographic coverage, and were stored in Mendeley. It includes diverse question formats such as single-choice, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions. This data could be analysed from a broad objective such as, to analyze and compare the soft power models of India and South Korea. To identify and evaluate the key modalities of soft power deployment. To assess the impact of soft power on bilateral relations and regional dynamics. And to highlight the limitations and future prospects of soft power engagement. Therefore, there were two main hypotheses: first, India and South Korea follow different models of soft power, with India focusing on its normative initiatives and civilizational legacy, while South Korea’s approach to soft power emphasizes economic development and national progress. Second, the use of soft power strategies is more effective in improving international standing and national branding when actively supported and integrated into national foreign policy frameworks. This data reflects public perception in India regarding the soft power strategies used by both India and South Korea. It highlights specific strategies employed by India and South Korea to increase their reach, shape narratives, and enhance nation branding in the changing landscape of international relations.

本研究聚焦印度与韩国的软实力（soft power）战略，重点剖析二者各自的战略模式与实施路径。两国均已崛起为举足轻重的中等强国，凭借各具特色的文化、经济与技术优势塑造了各自的全球影响力。本研究对两国的软实力实施路径进行对比分析，重点探讨文化外交、民间人文交流、公共外交以及战略品牌塑造如何提升二者的国际声誉。本研究同时还探究上述软实力战略如何影响双边关系与区域格局，并进而作用于两国的国际地位与外交影响力。
本数据集可为分别剖析印度与韩国为扩大软实力影响力、拓展全球存在而采用的新兴软实力战略提供研究支撑。本次数据采集通过网络问卷完成，主要调研对象为印度18岁及以上民众。调研共从印度28个邦及1个联邦属地的受访者中回收有效样本511份，覆盖范围广泛，数据存储于Mendeley平台。问卷涵盖多种题型，包括单选题、多选题与开放式问答题。
本数据集可服务于多维度研究目标，具体包括：分析并对比印韩两国的软实力模式；识别并评估软实力部署的关键路径；评估软实力对双边关系与区域格局的影响；以及阐明软实力实践的局限性与未来发展前景。据此，本研究提出两项核心假设：其一，印韩两国的软实力模式存在显著差异，印度侧重规范性倡议与文明遗产的传承，而韩国的软实力战略则以经济发展与国家进步为核心；其二，若软实力战略得到积极支持并纳入国家外交政策框架，则其在提升国际地位与国家品牌形象方面将更为有效。
本数据集反映了印度民众对印韩两国软实力战略的认知情况，并展现了两国在不断演变的国际关系格局中，为扩大传播范围、塑造国际叙事、提升国家品牌形象所采用的具体战略举措。