WorldJuly 13, 2026

suasion

/ˈsweɪʒən/

Definition

The act of influencing someone's actions, beliefs, or decisions through persuasion and moral authority rather than force or material leverage.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'suasio,' meaning 'persuasion' or 'exhortation,' and stemming from the verb 'suadere,' which means to advise or urge. It entered English in the 15th century and has historically been used in political and economic contexts to denote the use of influence over coercion.

In the news

The article uses 'moral suasion' to describe Canada's traditional diplomatic approach of relying on normative appeals and soft power to influence global affairs. It contrasts this past reliance on moral influence with the modern necessity for concrete strategic and economic capabilities.

From Moral Suasion to Strategic Indispensability: Carney isn't Shrinking Canada’s Ambitions, he's Updating Them.

Read the full article ↗

Policy Magazine

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