noun

hegemony

/hɪˈɡɛməni/ · say it: hih·JEM·uh·nee

dominance of one state or group over others

In Politics & Diplomacy

In more detail

1. (noun) the power or control that one country or group has over others

2. (noun) the dominance of one social group or culture over others in a society

Examples

1. The United States had military hegemony in the region after World War II.
2. The hegemony of Western culture has influenced entertainment and fashion worldwide.

How to use hegemony

Hegemony is used in political discourse, international relations, and critical theory to describe asymmetrical power relationships where one entity exerts control—either through force, economic influence, or cultural soft power. It often carries a critical tone, implying dominance that is structural or taken-for-granted rather than explicit. It differs from mere 'dominance' by suggesting systematic cultural or ideological control embedded in institutions and norms.

Common phrases

cultural hegemony
Western hegemony
American hegemony
hegemonic power
challenge hegemony
maintain hegemony

Synonyms

dominance · supremacy · ascendancy · predominance · dominion

Opposites

equality · parity

Word family

hegemonic (adjective) · hegemon (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'hegemony' to mean simple dominance or leadership without recognizing its implication of systemic, often unequal power operating through cultural and institutional mechanisms rather than force alone.

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