Which of the following is NOT one of the instruments of National Power?

The correct answer identifies cultural power as not being one of the primary instruments of national power. The commonly recognized instruments of national power are military, diplomatic, and economic. Each of these plays a critical role in how a nation can project its influence and achieve its objectives on the global stage.

Military power represents the capability to defend a nation and influence through force, if necessary. Diplomatic power encompasses the ability to negotiate and engage with other nations to form alliances, resolve conflicts peacefully, and promote national interests. Economic power is concerned with the financial resources a nation can leverage, such as trade and economic sanctions, to influence other nations or achieve its national goals.

While cultural factors can certainly influence international relations and a nation’s soft power, they are not formally categorized as one of the key instruments of national power in most strategic frameworks. Cultural influence, while important, tends to be secondary to the more direct instruments listed above, which provide nations with clear capabilities for action and influence in international affairs.