hegemonia

Hegemonia is the leadership or dominance of one state or group over others within a system of power. The term derives from the Greek hēgemonía, meaning leadership or rule, and is widely used in political science and international relations as an expression of hegemony. In this sense, a hegemon exerts disproportionate influence over political, economic, military, and cultural orders, shaping rules, norms, and expectations that others accommodate or follow.

In international relations, hegemony can be understood through multiple dimensions, including military power and security leadership, economic dominance (control of trade, finance, or technology), and cultural or ideological leadership. The concept of cultural hegemony, associated with Antonio Gramsci, emphasizes how a ruling group may secure consent and legitimacy through ideas and institutions, not just force.

Hegemonic stability theory is a prominent framework within the field. It argues that a single, powerful state can sustain a stable liberal international order by underwriting public goods such as open markets, predictable rules, and security guarantees. Critics question the permanence and desirability of such leadership, noting that hegemonic orders can generate resentment, dependency, and instability when power shifts or when costs of maintaining leadership rise.

Historically, the term has been applied to the British leadership in the 19th century and, after World War II, to the United States and the liberal order it helped build. In contemporary debates, rising powers such as China are discussed as challengers or transformers of existing hegemonic arrangements, with ongoing discussions about multipolarity and systemic change.