question_answer

Explain the hegemony of United States of America as a structural power.

Answer:

There are three types which together constitute the US hegemony in the world politics:

1. US Hegemony as hard power: As we have already stated the word ?hegemony7 means "the domination or control by the country or state over the groups of others". As the military strength, the US is the only nation which has worldwide presence today. With more than 700 military installations outside its territory a team of US force takes quick action to reach any part of the world.

On the other hand, the figures of US defence spending are surprising indeed. In 2000 US defence spending was 300 billion dollars, that all of European nations who belonged to NATO was 160 billion dollars and Russia 60 billion. In 2014 US expenditure on defence is 640 billion.

2. US Hegemony as structural power or in the economic realm: United States has the status of being the largest economy of the world, her geographical expanse, her minerals wealth (coal, iron, manganese, platinum etc.) added to her structural influence. American economy can be judged from the following few factors.

(i) Provision of the global public goods as the US assumed responsibility for keeping the sea routes secure.

(ii) US accounts for nearly 15.5 percent of the world exports. United States has the position of being the largest trading partner of most of the nations. Most of the multinational companies are owned by Americans.

(iii) An important key to American hegemony is her increasing domination of the world financial bodies like the World Bank IMF and WTO.

(iv) Window software and internet techniques: In 1990 the internet facility was opened to commercial users and service providers but today internet is being used in every field, like mass communication or security, education environmental and industrial development.

(v) Many business management institutes were established in America.

3. Hegemony as a soft power: Hegemony as a soft power means the victory of American?s ideals of liberalism, democracy and economic freedom. We may also call it American?s cultural presence in all part oi the world.