Good-bye hegemony! Power and influence in the global system

Simon Reich*, Richard Ned Lebow

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Book/ReportBookpeer-review

96 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Many policymakers, journalists, and scholars insist that U.S. hegemony is essential for warding off global chaos. Good-Bye Hegemony! argues that hegemony is a fiction propagated to support a large defense establishment, justify American claims to world leadership, and buttress the self-esteem of voters. It is also contrary to American interests and the global order. Simon Reich and Richard Ned Lebow argue that hegemony should instead find expression in agenda setting, economic custodianship, and the sponsorship of global initiatives. Today, these functions are diffused through the system, with European countries, China, and lesser powers making important contributions. In contrast, the United States has often been a source of political and economic instability. Rejecting the focus on power common to American realists and liberals, the authors offer a novel analysis of influence. In the process, they differentiate influence from power and power from material resources. Their analysis shows why the United States, the greatest power the world has ever seen, is increasingly incapable of translating its power into influence. Reich and Lebow use their analysis to formulate a more realistic place for America in world affairs.

Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationPrinceton, NJ
PublisherPrinceton University Press
Number of pages190
ISBN (Electronic)9781400850426
ISBN (Print)9781400850426, 9780691160429
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Mar 2014

Keywords

  • International relations
  • World politics
  • Balance of power
  • United States
  • Foreign policy
  • Hegemony

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