Modern tools of Barbados' soft power in international politics.

The relevance of the study stems from the need to analyze the strategies of small island states in the face of climate threats and the structural inequality of the global financial system. Barbados, as a developing state, demonstrates an innovative approach to using "soft power" to overcome systemic challenges and promote global justice. This is particularly significant in the context of waning support from developed nations. The novelty of the work lies in identifying Barbados' unique "soft power" model, which has not been  studied before. 

Key aspects include:

1.  Climate diplomacy as a tool to transform environmental vulnerability into moral authority (initiatives for IMF reform and debt-for-nature swaps).

2.  Female leadership (Prime Minister Mia Mottley) and women in politics (63% of ambassadors are women, exceeding the global average).

3.  Pop-cultural resource: The previously unexplored role of  Rihanna as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, enhancing the country's visibility in tourism, education, and investment sectors.

The methodology is based on a Barbados case study, analyzing: Political initiatives (bilateral and multilateral agreements, participation in CELAC, South-South cooperation); Financial instruments (debt restructuring through environmental swaps); Gender aspects (correlation between female leadership and the effectiveness of climate diplomacy). Sources include UN documents, IMF data, and official statements from the Barbados government. Statistical data on Barbados' projects (number of initiatives, donor/recipient shares, and participation of other countries) was collected and structured.

Results:

1.  Financial innovations became tools of "soft power": The Bridgetown Initiative mobilized $500 billion in private investments for SDGs and climate action.

2.  Strengthened regional leadership through solidarity among Global South nations.

3.  The gender factor bolstered Barbados' image as a leader in inclusivity (2024 Women in Diplomacy Index).

4.  Mottley's climate authority positions the country as a key voice for vulnerable states at the UN. Conclusion: Barbados has proven the effectiveness of small states' "soft power" through its climate agenda, financial creativity, and cultural resources, creating a model for reforming the global architecture in the interests of the Global South. The pop-cultural component complements this strategy, enhancing the national brand on non-political platforms.