America's soft power over Europe Eroding.

Okay, so the authors of the text state that America's soft power over Europe is eroding. What does this mean? What are some examples of events that could have caused us to lose influence with countries that were formerly staunch allies. What could we do to restore our influence? Do you think that it is important for us to regain our "soft power" or is the fact that we are the predominant superpower enough to maintain our global position?
This is a very important topic and want to know what others think on this complex matter, plz give any info you can, thanks and god bless.

In my mind, "soft power" would be the ability to influence by example or diplomacy rather than using military force.

In the years from WWI through the Cold War, military alliances were important because of the fears that Europeans had over the division of Eastern and Western Europe. The changes that have taken place since then have created a general relaxation of tensions that eased those fears and allowed those nations to unite under the European Union. The net effect produces a considerable shift from the importance of military to economic alliances; from needing the help of the Americans for protection to competing against the Americans in global markets.

In light of the changing political and economic landscape of Europe, it is natural that Europeans want to minimize American influence and steer their own ship. Historically America's stock has peaked when their European allies were in dire straits and waned when the fight was over and the restoration done. Human nature being what it is, I doubt there's much the U.S. could do to change that today.

Rather than try to influence Europe, The U.S. should conduct it's affairs in it's own interest the same as the Europeans do (and should do) but we should apply that principle regardless of whether the Europeans are on the love or hate side of the cycle.