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The Theory of Hegemonic Stability - Central Idea

The theory of hegemonic stability argues that for an international system to remain stable, it requires a single dominant state (a hegemon) to enforce the rules and ensure other major states perceive the system as mutually beneficial. To be a hegemon, a state must have the capability, willingness, and commitment to enforce the rules. Capability depends on factors like a large economy, dominance in technology/economics, and backed by military power. Historically, states like Portugal, the Netherlands, Britain, and the United States have acted as hegemons by dominating economically and maintaining the international order through both inducement and coercion. Over time, changes in power dynamics can undermine the hegemon's position and

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404 views2 pages

The Theory of Hegemonic Stability - Central Idea

The theory of hegemonic stability argues that for an international system to remain stable, it requires a single dominant state (a hegemon) to enforce the rules and ensure other major states perceive the system as mutually beneficial. To be a hegemon, a state must have the capability, willingness, and commitment to enforce the rules. Capability depends on factors like a large economy, dominance in technology/economics, and backed by military power. Historically, states like Portugal, the Netherlands, Britain, and the United States have acted as hegemons by dominating economically and maintaining the international order through both inducement and coercion. Over time, changes in power dynamics can undermine the hegemon's position and

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Shabnam
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The Theory of Hegemonic Stability

The stability of the International System requires a single dominant state to


articulate and enforce the rules of interaction among the most important
members of the system.

To be a Hegemon, a state must have three attributes:

1. The Capability to enforce the rules of the system;


2. The Will to do so;
3. A Commitment to a system which is perceived as mutually beneficial
to the major states.

Capability rests upon three attributes:

1. A large, growing economy;


2. Dominance in a leading technological or economic sector;
3. Political power backed up by projective military power.

The Historical Record

Portugal 1494 to 1580 (end of Italian Wars to Spanish invasion of


Portugal) Based on Portugal's dominance in navigation Hegemonic
pretender: Spain

Holland 1580 to 1688 (1579 Treaty of Utrecht marks the foundation of the
Dutch Republic to William of Orange's arrival in England) Based on Dutch
control of credit and money Hegemonic pretender: England

Britain 1688 to 1792 (Glorious Revolution to Napoleonic Wars) Based on


British textiles and command of the High Seas Hegemonic pretender: France

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Britain 1815 to 1914 (Congress of Vienna to World War I) Based on British
industrial supremacy and railroads Hegemonic pretender: Germany

United States 1945 to 1971 Based on Petroleum and the Internal


Combustion Engine Hegemonic pretender: the USSR

What does the Hegemon Do?

The system is a collective good which means that it is plagued by a "free


rider" syndrome. Thus, the hegemon must induce or coerce other states to
support the system The US system tries to produce democracy and
capitalism, thus it champions human rights and free trade. Other nations will
try to enjoy the benefits of these institutions, but will try to avoid paying the
costs of producing them. Thus, the US must remain committed to free trade
even if its major trading partners erect barriers to trade. The US can erect
its own barriers, but then the system will collapse.

Over time, there is an uneven growth of power within the system as new
technologies and methods are developed. An unstable system will result if
economic, technological, and other changes erode the international hierarchy
and undermine the position of the dominant state. Pretenders to hegemonic
control will emerge if the benefits of the system are viewed as unacceptably
unfair.

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