In what ways does the Marxist theory of hegemony help us in understanding the dynamics of international politics?

                   International theorists such as Robert Cox have extended the understanding of hegemony to analyse international relations. Cox concludes that the states which are disadvantaged by the current system have been co-opted into accepting the hegemonic system.

                Antonio Gramsci, an Italian Marxist propounded the theory of hegemony. He was concerned with the failure of Marxist prediction that capitalism would die its own death. He reconsidered the Marxist assumptions of base and superstructure. He concluded that capitalism does not thrive only by coercion but by manufacturing consent.

                Gramsci found the superstructures played an important role in generating consent. This rendered legitimacy to status quo. Individuals during primary and secondary socialization were convinced that the present system was the best and inculcated with the value system of dominant class. Thus, capitalism acquired a image of common sense idea.

              Robert Cox had adopted Gramsci ideas to explain the linkages in international relations. Hegemony denotes the elevation of the ideas of dominant class and their value system as common sense. International relations were dominated by Britain before World War II and in the post-cold war United States has been the dominant power. US and UK hold sway over much of international community and have much of the affairs their way.

              During colonial era, imperialism had acquired the states of hegemonic idea and came to be widely accepted by theories such as ‘white man’s burden’, ‘civilizing mission’ were used to legitimize colonialism. Few nations considered the moral and ethical implications of their actions. Even United States, which broke free from the British colonialism and founded itself on the bed rock of liberty and equality, acquired colonies.

              During cold war, the world was largely divided into two power blocks. Capitalism and socialism were not only the dominant hegemonic ideas but main propagating force behind their associations and actions.

              After Soviet Union’s disintegration, the bipolar world got fractured and left US as the lone dominant power. It had acquired the status of hegemonic power as early as World War II. United Nations, found after WW II to preserve global peace and order reflects the ideas of US and western nations largely. Even the charter of United Nations, closely resemble the preamble of United States.

              United Nations (UN) has played a crucial role in shaping the global order post WW II. Even nations antagonized by US and its ‘global police man’ role have coveted UN membership. UN provides a global forum is international arena to express the nation’s ideas and legitimize them.

              The post war reconstruction was driven by the Breton woods institutions-International monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB). These institutions have heralded the global economy and directed it as per their wishes. They were instrumental in propagating neo-liberalism and market economic modal. West European nations were subjected to ‘Shock Therapy’ and the world countries were guided through   ‘Structural Adjustment Programs’.

              Global trade has been conducted under the aegis of World Trade Organization (WTO). Most of the rules and agreements of WTO have provided favorable results to western economies especially US. Even nations disadvantaged by such agreements have been convinced that ‘There Is No Alternative’ (TINA). WTO negotiations have been shaped by US pressure tactics.         

              Neo–liberalistic conception of free market economic modal and free trade have been pushed if not accepted world over as common sense idea. Even peripheral nations which lose because of such arrangement are not raising their voice against the system exploiting them.

              Soft power diplomacy has been in the limelight in guiding international relations. US does not use coercive methods to gain legitimate ground. POP music, Hollywood, prosperity have attracted individuals as well as nations towards the “Land of dreams”.

              India has gained a hegemonic status in south Asia. Bollywood, tourism, yoga etc have been used as instruments to project India’s soft power.

              The more easily a nation is able to propagate its ideas and export is vision the more hegemonic it is. The world view of the hegemonic is accepted readily by others. Hegemonic relations have enabled enduring international relations and given the perception of a fair deal. Consensus is obtained by persuasion rather than coercion. Such consensus is long lasting as yields more dividends. The more a nation is dependent on another easier it is has been to co-opt the nation. Lasting deals and agreements have been brought about by consent. The US managed to fracture the Paris climate agreement because of its hegemonic status. Such action by any other nation would have been seriously condemned, but US could get away with it lightly.

              The Marxist theory of hegemony is beneficial to understand the dynamics of international politics and power structure. Economic rise of emerging nations has enabled them to gain some traction and power status.