Hegemony: Difference between revisions
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The word has been used to describe periods in ancient [[Greek history]], such as when [[Sparta]] became the hegemon of the [[Peloponnesian League]] in the [[6th century BC]]. In more recent times, it has been used to describe regional domination by local powers, or domination of the world by a global power. The [[Cold War]] (1945 - 1990) was a battle for hegemony between the communist east led by the [[USSR]] and the capitalist west led by the [[United States]]. Both sides were [[superpower]]s battling to dominate the arms race and become the supreme world superpower. Since the end of the Cold War, the term has been used to describe the United States' role as the sole superpower (the [[hyperpower]]) in the modern world. |
The word has been used to describe periods in ancient [[Greek history]], such as when [[Sparta]] became the hegemon of the [[Peloponnesian League]] in the [[6th century BC]]. In more recent times, it has been used to describe regional domination by local powers, or domination of the world by a global power. The [[Cold War]] (1945 - 1990) was a battle for hegemony between the communist east led by the [[USSR]] and the capitalist west led by the [[United States]]. Both sides were [[superpower]]s battling to dominate the arms race and become the supreme world superpower. Since the end of the Cold War, the term has been used to describe the United States' role as the sole superpower (the [[hyperpower]]) in the modern world. |
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Recently the term hegemony has been used by [[critical theory|critical theorists]] [[Ernesto Laclau]] and [[Chantal Mouffe]]. |
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See also: [[cultural hegemony]]. |
See also: [[cultural hegemony]]. |
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Revision as of 19:48, 9 May 2004
Hegemony is the dominance of one group over other groups without the use of force. Theories of hegemony attempt to explain why the dominant group is able to maintain this power. The dominant group is called the hegemon. One of the best known theories of hegemony was devised by Antonio Gramsci.
The word has been used to describe periods in ancient Greek history, such as when Sparta became the hegemon of the Peloponnesian League in the 6th century BC. In more recent times, it has been used to describe regional domination by local powers, or domination of the world by a global power. The Cold War (1945 - 1990) was a battle for hegemony between the communist east led by the USSR and the capitalist west led by the United States. Both sides were superpowers battling to dominate the arms race and become the supreme world superpower. Since the end of the Cold War, the term has been used to describe the United States' role as the sole superpower (the hyperpower) in the modern world.
Recently the term hegemony has been used by critical theorists Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe.
See also: cultural hegemony.
to be written: the idea of "hegemony" in Marxist theory.
See also
- the Spartan hegemony (404 BC - 371 BC)
- the Theban hegemony (371 BC - 362 BC)
- Dollar Hegemony