Hegemony Revisited: A Conceptual Analysis of the Gramscian Concept of Hegemony in International Relations Theory

Abstract: The concept of hegemony is indispensable for the study of global politics. Yet, the application of the concept is widely contested and requires clarification. A new framework of hegemony is necessary to account for contemporary global politics. This thesis takes its point of departure in the multitude of definitions of the concept of hegemony. The concept of hegemony is analytically approached through the work of the Italian Marxist, Antonio Gramsci. His concept of hegemony is investigated through an in-depth analysis of two critical receptions of his work by Robert Cox, and Chantal Mouffe and Ernesto Laclau. Within a combined conceptual analysis of the interpretations, the Gramscian concept of hegemony is deconstructed. A deconstruction of the concept into its constitutive elements provides characteristics to construct a new and comprehensive framework of hegemony in IR. The distinguishing elements of the two interpretations are illustrated by an application to the phenomenon of Arab nationalism. The insights presented through the analysis provide the groundwork to develop a new conceptual framework of hegemony in International Relations.