Regional hegemony
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Regional hegemony refers to the influence exercised over neighboring countries by an independently powerful nation, the regional hegemon. Regional hegemonies are small scale versions of global hegemons.
International Relations scholar, John Mearsheimer wrote extensively in his book Tragedy of Great Power Politics about regional hegemony.
[edit] Contemporary examples
Contemporary examples are often politically sensitive or arguable. Often analysis of regional hegemons are based on a specific context or perspective which renders their identification subjective.
- The United States of America within North America.[1]
- People's Republic of China within Southeast Asia.[1]
- Russia in Eastern Europe (specially with regards to its former Soviet-era communist allies.)
- Brasil within northern South America.
- Germany and France within Europe.
- South Africa within Sub-Saharan Africa (particularly during South Africa's apartheid-era).[1]
- Israel within the Middle East[2][1]
[edit] Further reading
- David J. Myers. 1991. Regional Hegemons: Threat Perception and Strategic Response. ISBN 978-0813381558
- David R. Mares. 1988. "Middle Powers under Regional Hegemony: To Challenge or Acquiesce in Hegemonic Enforcement." International Studies Quarterly. 32(4):453-471.
- William Zimmerman. 1978. "Hierarchical Regional Systems and the Politics of System Boundaries." International Organization. 26(1):18-36.
