Close Gallery
Photo wikipedia.org
Zoom Picture

Hegemony is the dominance of one group over other groups, with or without the threat of force, to the extent that, for instance, the dominant party can dictate the terms of trade to its advantage; more broadly, cultural perspectives become skewed to favor the dominant group. The cultural control that hegemony asserts affects commonplace patterns of thought: hegemony controls the way new ideas are rejected or become naturalized in a process that subtly alters notions of common sense in a given society.

Hegemony results in the empowerment of certain cultural beliefs, values, and practices to the submersion and partial exclusion of others. Hegemony influences the perspective of mainstream history, as history is written by the victors for a congruent readership. History has it that hegemony has been played since time immemorial; we may recall the dominance of Persian, Roman, Mongol, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, German, Chinese, Russian, French, British Empire, amongst others.

These days, hegemony is played through the international system by supreme powers such as the United States, China, Russia, India and the European Union. As we all know the U.S. is the youngest among them, but how did she become rival for hegemonic battle in this world? The U.S. does not have history of a concordances, rulings like others, consequently where is the interest of the U.S. in this competition? The answer is in the United Kingdom and more or less the State of Israel.

The British Empire was one of the most successful Empires in modern era; however, as she get weaker, she needed to find a strategic partner for further domination, and she found one in the U.S. Let us not forget that the UK is also a member of the EU, so we can easily say that she is one of the most influential countries in the world and it can be put next to above supreme powers, but without the U.S. or the EU, it is as fragile as any other small country. Accordingly, we can say that the UK is being a very wise country that gets its will throughout in many ways.

The state of Israel is, on the other hand, a small and weak state that is capable to do anything to protect itself and create confusion in the world especially in the Middle East. By this, we can see that Israel is using the U.S. to conduct some sort of control among others while being well protected.

Therefore, we can say that the U.S. is being naïve and inexperienced in that it allows itself to be used by smaller countries to create order among nations, or maybe she is deceiving us and learning to become an independent hegemon.

China, Russia and India are old and astute countries, true world super powers, Countries that have history in a concordances, ruling, and wars. So we can say that it is in their nature to be dominant one. These three countries individually are strong enough for any challenge in this hegemonic game of dominance.

The interest of European Union to dominate others is reflected in countries well known as warriors and concordances such as France, Germany, Spain, UK and Austria. Separately, they don't stand any chance of supremacy over others, but together and with help of others members of the Union they are one major player in the hegemonic game. From this we can easily say that these countries are using other members of the Union to gain more power in battle for the world's first true superpower.

This modern race for world true hegemon brought us numerous good and bad things; one of the good things was the rapid development of technology, science, medicine, among other things. Conversely, the increased competition succeeded in the manufacture and development of lethal weapons, bombs and machines. As a result if we take a look down history, society has not been able to develop so fast as it has been in the past 60 years. Therefore we can say that from period of World War II, the world has developed extremely fast and it continues to develop. For this reason, one could not be more thankful to the extraordinary dominance competition.

What can we then expect in the future when we talk about domination among countries?

In the very near future, it is more likely that more unions and alliances would be formed; bigger European Union led by already mentioned countries, Union of Asian countries led by Russia, China and India, Alliance of Arab countries led by Iran and Saudi Arabia, Union of South America, stronger unity of African Union and eventually North American Union led by U.S. After these Unions, we can expect even bigger ones, but how they are going to transform themselves and stand the test of time, is only a matter of time to decide. When these new Unions form, we can foresee a new World Order, and that will most likely lead us to increased conflicts. Conflicts that will leave us in devastation and sadness that cannot be described. The winners in that conflict will be left with nothing to dominate.

Which side will the UK and Israel take in these adventures? Well, it is up to them to start thinking about it.

When we take a look at the history of mankind we can see that there has never been peace among nations, and it is becoming increasingly elusive.

Written by: Ivan Simic
Share / Recommend this article: FacebookFacebook Digg thisDigg this del.icio.usdel.icio.us TechnoratiTechnorati YahooYahoo Facebook
COMMENTS
19 comment(s)
Written by: CarlosFranco, 14 May 2009 6:44 PM
From: United States, Brooklyn

and we Dominicans are ruled by our elites who are in league with the core elite of the US

Written by: abc200, 14 May 2009 8:35 PM
From: United Kingdom
It is also possible to expectt a World with no real and stable leader. US industrial power has declied - e.g. GM, banks, etc. and Islamic influence has risen. But the price of domination in a world where a small group can disrupt a huge economy or army may just be too high. Countries such as France have maintained their special way of life but resisted in many ways US or Russian etc. domination in industrial, cultural, farming and other fields with considerable success.
Having seen this countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Thailand etc. etc. have observed the methods used - state supervision of vital elements of culture and economy and and are increasingly in a position to resist. The thesis of an emerging multi - polar world is more likely with a variety of social/political systems.
http://www.nowpublic.com/world/putin-chavez-plug-multi-polar-world
S.
Written by: Edward, 15 May 2009 10:22 AM
From: United States, Faux News: Unfair Imbalance
Which Union will the DR join? The North American Union?
Written by: abc200, 15 May 2009 10:41 AM
From: United Kingdom
Caribbean - Cuba and Venez will be rising stars and there can be close ties and defense arrangements with Brazil.
Will the US battleship sink?
S.
Written by: ArsenioALembertJr, 15 May 2009 1:22 PM
From: United States, (on Sabbatical)
Now, who is Ivan Simic? And why is he dumping this very relevant topic out of the clear blue?

Can anyone expound on that before we go into our opinions about the concept of Hegemony in the modern day?
Written by: ArsenioALembertJr, 15 May 2009 1:54 PM
From: United States, (on Sabbatical)

Never mind I found out who Ivan Simic is; "The pot calling the kettle black."

http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=....=98dfd9dfb6b67eb4a317194129ce6ead

http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/author.asp?id=5587

Here's an aspirant for International prominence (savoire faire) in Globalism, and he's based in Serbia, of all places.....
Wasn't that where Bill Clinton got his kicks bombing the living day lights out of it?
The old Yugoslavia, previously the Austro-Hungarian Empire....

What does he he know that you or I living in the Western Hemisphere, don't know?

He's a diplomat for the E.U.? Whoopy do!
Is he one of the Bilderbergs?
Member of the ritzy P2 lodge in Monte Carlo? I wonder if he knows Leo Zagami?

DT your colors are waving in the wind for all to clearly see!
Written by: ivansimic, 15 May 2009 7:10 PM
From: Germany
Mr. Arsenio, one advice for you: think before you write. Don’t just write to make noise and insult, write something good, write to make a difference; don’t waste newspapers pages for empty words.
Yes, I was born in Belgrade, Serbia but this fact doesn’t make me less human, or you think that it does. Maybe I am now an American citizen, you’ll never know.
I can see that you are very proud of President Bill Clinton’s and the US led NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999. Mr. Arsenio, war is an awful thing, don’t promote war. The US led NATO bombing of Yugoslavia killed many people and left many families devastated.
Since you started this subject just because I was born in Serbia, let me teach you few things concerning 1999 bombing.
The US led NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999 was not granted by the UN Security Council, therefore it is an aggression which broke all International Laws. Yugoslavia was the member of the UN if you didn’t know.
Written by: ivansimic, 15 May 2009 7:23 PM
From: Germany
I will not comment too much on this, since I can see that you are not familiar with the subject, you only heard something on TV. However, take a look at these facts which are related to bombing in 1999:

According to the USA, CIA and the UN, the Kosovo Liberation Army or KLA has been considered to be a terrorist organization, and in close ally with Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda. According to crime journalist Jeffrey Robinson, the KLA is "a direct link between Osama bin Laden and the Albanians". As late as 1997, the KLA had been recognized by the US as a terrorist organization supported in part by heroin trafficking. United States President Bill Clinton's special envoy to the Balkans, Robert Gelbard, described once the KLA as, "without any questions, a terrorist group"

The KLA is also documented as having ties with, or at the very least fighting against the same enemies as Islamic extremist groups such as Osama Bin Laden's al Qaeda.
Written by: ivansimic, 15 May 2009 7:26 PM
From: Germany
It is also believed that the KLA has played a key role in the ethnic cleansing, kidnappings and murder of Serbs and other ethnic minorities after the end of the war. HRW writes:

Elements of the KLA are also responsible for post-conflict attacks on Serbs, Roma, and other non-Albanians, as well as ethnic Albanian political rivals... widespread and systematic burning and looting of homes belonging to Serbs, Roma, and other minorities and the destruction of Orthodox churches and monasteries... combined with harassment and intimidation designed to force people from their homes and communities... elements of the KLA are clearly responsible for many of these crimes.

First, the US called them terrorist in 1998, than bombed Yugoslavia in 1999 and in 2008 the US recognized them/Kosovo as independent state.
Written by: ivansimic, 15 May 2009 7:30 PM
From: Germany
On March 17, 2004, Serb communities and cultural sites in Kosovo were attacked, leading to the largest violent incident since the 1999 Kosovo War. The Kosovo Albanians mobs burned hundreds of Serbian houses, Serbian Orthodox Church sites (including some medieval churches and monasteries) and the UN facilities.

In 2008, Carla Del Ponte published a book "The Hunt: Me and the War Criminals" in which she alleged that, after the end of the war in 1999, Kosovo Albanians were smuggling organs of between 100 and 300 Serbs and other minorities from Kosovo to Albania.

On May 5, 2008 the Human Rights Watch confirmed the allegations from Del Ponte's book and issued a public call to Tirana (Albania) and Pristina (Kosovo) for cooperation. No cooperation was seen.
Written by: ivansimic, 15 May 2009 7:30 PM
From: Germany
Mr. Arsenio, what is your opinion on the US Bombing of Dresden in World War II, Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the Native American Genocide?
Now, Mr. Arsenio let me teach you little bit about history.
The old Yugoslavia was never Austro-Hungarian Empire; the old Yugoslavia is not even a name. I will give you just few historical facts without going into deep history.
Kingdom of Serbia existed from 1882-1918.
Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later known as Kingdom of Yugoslavia existed from 1918-
1943. In 1943, Tito proclaimed the creation of the Democratic Federative Yugoslavia.
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia existed from 1943-1992.
The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1992-2003.
The State Union of Serbia and Montenegro from 2003-2006.
Written by: ivansimic, 15 May 2009 7:33 PM
From: Germany
Austro-Hungarian Empire existed from 1867-1918, so much of your “The old Yugoslavia, previously the Austro-Hungarian Empire....”
Mr. Arsenio, you are confusing Yugoslavia with Serbia (Vojvodina), Austro-Hungarian Empire and Ottoman Empire. I can see that this is complicated for you. I would like to teach you more, but there is no space here for me to write.
I will not comment on your further remarks because they are immature.
You are welcome to comment on my articles and I will always replay to them, but do not comment on my origin and insult me. Be fair and respectful.
Written by: ArsenioALembertJr, 16 May 2009 12:00 AM
From: United States, (on Sabbatical)
IvanSimic this is Dominican Today for your information!
No need to pontificate any futher on a baseless and truthfully foreign issue and focus of this venue. Keep all your gratutious knowledge for your students, here the concerns are those of Dominicans and their affairs; Not the struggles of the Adriatic and the Balkans. Spasiva!
Written by: abc200, 16 May 2009 4:19 AM
From: United Kingdom
My only knowledge of the situation in Serbia was from conversations with a Serb student who thought it was essential but very late to use force to control the fascists there. It was a pity that the USA rather than just Europe needed to be involved. Yes, this is about the DR and there is an obvious need for countries in the different regions of the world to take responsibility for errant nations. But rogue, ustable, and failed states to a large extent are a legacy of colonialism and post war US policies. Globalisation has resulted in failures and the poor in every region except possibly China have got poorer. This has led to the breakdown of governments and huge problems. This can only be stopped by state and regional self sufficiency policies with trade based on definite win-win situations. The 'race to the bottom' must be stopped by fair trading policies. The history of the Balkans is a special and difficult history.
S.
Written by: Manhattanite, 18 May 2009 3:07 PM
From: United States
Ivan you mention the role of UK's declining empire but especially for a site like this may want to flesh out your report by taking a look at the role of the dying Spanish empire and how it was attacked repeatedly and systematically by the young USA starting with Mexico 1840s and culminating in 1898 Spanish-American War. US did take colonies/expand borders by these war and de facto assumed Spain's hegemonic role in the Caribbean and South America. So the young US were not just chosen by a dying Brit empire, they also flexed their own muscle considerably in carving out their position in the world.
Written by: abc200, 19 May 2009 10:38 PM
From: United Kingdom
An important meeting Lula and Jintao.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8057048.stm
Dollar could be dead once China and Brazil start using their own currencies. China is now No. 1 trading partner for Brazil. DR could use Peso for trade with Brazil! Dollar has been falling............ people are getting out of the currency. US is no longer so interested in South America and the Caribb.
S.
Written by: abc200, 5 Jun 2009 10:09 AM
From: United Kingdom
Dollar could devalue through inflation and loose half its value in the next 24 months. Hope DR keeps currency stable against euro and other currencies and avoids high inflation.
S.
Written by: iCare, 5 Jul 2009 2:38 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Altamonte Springs FL, USA
The D is an R. Never forget that. I have never been anywhere else in my life where god is so genuinely trusted. I believe that while all fall. All the DR needs is faith. For some odd reason through all of the corruption a great majority of dominicans(I must add, respectively speaking, that I might be referring to dominican americans and recent immigraters) have proven to be worthy counsel for americans going through financial troubles. I feel that the more depressed a young and gluttonous country gets, the more advice we could get from the one mysterious republic that actually defends their bible with their flag. America has no idea how much they could learn from the poor country of the Dominican republic.
Written by: iCare, 5 Jul 2009 2:51 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Altamonte Springs FL, USA
As That's just been on my mind for a while. For in the essense of what it is to be humble I came to realize something. What I saw was that while the DR may never have attained the ammount of wealth and freedom we have, they waill also never be effected by a lack of amenities as traumatically as the US is. Honest question: could you ever see the Dominican economy declining (proportionately speaking) to the degree that we've experienced over the last few years. And to add; if you do see such circumstances are feesable, do you believe that those people would lose anywhere near as much hope, passion, pride, or motivation as wthe US citizens have through this recession?
Post Your Comment | Not a member? Create your account | Lost your password?
Write your opinion here. Please keep your comment relevant to this article. Please note that any comments which contain offensive language or discriminatory expressions may be edited/removed.
You must log in to post a comment:
Username Password