Definition

The dominance of one power or ideology over others. It's what happens when one country gets too big for its britches.

Example Usage

American hegemony after World War II shaped global institutions and policy for decades.

Origin

From Greek 'hegemonia' (leadership, predominance)

Fun Fact

The concept of U.S. hegemonic decline became a major focus in international relations scholarship after 2008

Source: International relations terminology

Related Terms

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Spin doctor

A political consultant or PR specialist who frames events and statements to present their candidate or organization in the best possible light.

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separation of powers

Constitutional division of government into distinct branches (executive, legislative, judicial) with different powers and the ability to check each other. Montesquieu's brilliant idea to prevent tyranny, assuming the branches actually want to check each other.

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barrel

In politics, a container for pork—and we're not talking about meat. Barrel refers to pork barrel spending, the time-honored tradition of politicians funneling taxpayer money to their home districts for projects ranging from essential infrastructure to museums dedicated to obscure vegetables. It's how bridges to nowhere get built and how representatives prove they're "bringing home the bacon," even if that bacon costs $500 million.

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pledged

The past tense of making a solemn promise you may or may not keep, often involving money you don't have yet or commitments you'll regret later. It's the formal act of committing to something, whether that's donations, support, or allegiance, with varying degrees of legal bindingness. What politicians do constantly and donors do optimistically.

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Lobby

The practice of professionally pestering politicians until they do what you want, which is basically what children do but with more expensive suits and fancier dinners. It's free speech for people whose speech comes with a corporate expense account.

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mibs and wibs

Playful acronyms for Men in Black and Women in Black—the tongue-in-cheek term for federal government workers, especially those in military, intelligence, or Homeland Security who always look like they're about to ruin your day.

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