The concept of smart power has gained wide currency in recent years. However, it seems that the term is more persuasive than informative, a problem shared with the associated concepts of soft and hard power. This article aims to show that smart power covers a conceptual understanding and ideals of practice with much more depth than meets the eye, falling back on important elements of the classical realist tradition of international thought, and in particular ideas of prudent statesmanship. By highlighting the connection between current, policy-oriented statements and understandings of smart power, and principal elements of classical realism, I bring increased theoretical depth and contour to the concept and – in effect – a re-interpretation of the idea of smart power.