Question

What is a hegemon? Offer an example of one and why it matters

Answer 1

A hegemon is defined as something or someone who has a dominant power over others. A supreme leader or a leading nation.

The best example is that of U.S. itself. United States is considered as a hegemon in the World. The United States emerged from World War II as the dominant political, technological and economic power. Post-war, it became a home for the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and for the World Bank as well. America also had nuclear power, majority of unscathed infrastructure, population and demographics. This caused America to become, in every sense of the word, a hegemon.

WHY IT MATTERS? THROUGH THE EYES OF GOOD OR BAD.

Hegemony can be considered as being good or bad, though it is not inherently good or bad. Many political scientists consider hegemony as being good. This is because it promotes democracy and stability. There is stability because there are usually less competitors to argue with, this reduces conflict. When there is bipolarity, the chances of conflict, especially war arises, like in the time of World Wars. Democracy is promoted as there is freedom for each country in terms of trade (free trade), immigration, etc. According to Kagan's article "there is greater global prosperity and a long-lasting peace among great powers because of America's Hegemony."

Others argue that it is bad and that a unipolar world is less stable. This is because one nation gets to dictate over others. This may lead to exploitation, cultural clashes and even one-sided enmity from countries that disagree with them. And drastic measures like sanctioning or isolation of disagreeing nations may lead to an all-out war again. Just like North-Korean, ISIS led nations, etc. are being a threat to U.S. hegemony and its affiliated nations.