the cost of hegemony: a brief examination through the united states lens

United states today are having a complex issue: their position between Ukraine-Russia rivalry and the new one between Israel- Iran is a result of their role as the centre of international attention, world’s police, a hegemon.  Recently, they have been competing fiercely with China, the world’s new axis. Starting with banning the sales and import of new communication equipment including Huawei and ZTE amid concern over national security. Most recently, they will limit the circulation of Chinese electric cars, of course in the name of possible misuse of technology to spying the US through device installed in it. However, this is one of the consequences or impact of their position as the centre of the world. What could be wrong?

Hegemony is a concept deep rooted in political science and international relations. It refers to the dominance or leadership of one state or group even others. This term is originated from ancient Greece, where it denoted the leadership or dominance of one city state over others within league or alliance. Hegemony involves the exercise of power and influenced by dominant state over other and goes beyond more coercion or force and encompasses combination of economic, military, diplomatic and cultural element that enable him to shape the behaviour and preference of other actors. Hegemony typically entails several key characteristics like leadership, preponderance of power, consent and cooperation and institutional influence.

Throughout history, various states and empires has risen to hegemonic status exeting dominance over their respective region and or word. Some notable historical example such as: ancient Greece, Roman Empire, the British Empire, and recently United States. Following the WW II, US has been assumed as the role of global hegemon, wielding the unmatched military, economics, social and cultural power that shaping post-war international order.

The allure of hegemony is undeniable. How could someone or nation not interested in, the role of hegemony lien the power to shape global affairs, influence international norms and projecting a dominance on a scale that unmatched by other nations. Beneath those status lies a complex web of costs and burdens. This is most clearly seen in the case of the United States, a country that has held global leadership for decades. At the heart of hegemony lies a staggering financial burden. The US declares itself as the world’s largest defense budget, a testimony to its commitment of military superiority and global presence. According to macrotrends.net, US military spending for 2021 was US$800,67 Billion, a 2,86% increase from 2020 at the number of  US778,40 Billion. As a comparison, Indonesia’s government spending at 2021 reached 108,4 Billion. And it just the US military spending not the entire government spending. Year after year, billions of dollars are allocated to fund sprawling military industrial, maintain overseas bases and sustain alliance. The sheer scale of these expenditures underscores the immense financial sacrifice required to uphold hegemonic status.

Hegemony often requires military involvement and intervention in various corners of the world. While some interventions are considered essential for national security or humanitarian reasons, they exact a heavy toll both in terms of lives lost and resources expanded. The protracted war in Ira and Afghanistan are a ringing bell of the humanitarian and economic costs of military intervention which costs over trillions of dollars and changed lives forever. American diplomats are often connoted constantly engaged in a delicate dance of diplomacy. As the preeminent global power, US shoulders a disproportionate share of diplomatic responsibilities, from brokering peace deals to navigating international crises. Yet, this comes at a price, requiring resources and straining relations with allies and advisories alike. Hegemony also reverberates throughout the economic sphere, domestically and internationally. Beyond military engagement and economic implication, hegemony relies on soft power to shape the preference and behaviour of other through cultural, ideological and institutional means. Maintaining this, require ongoing investment in areas such as education, cultural exchange, and public diplomacy that adding the cost of hegemony.

The US case serves a poignant reminder of the multifaceted cost of hegemony. While hegemonic status covers undeniable benefit int erm of security, influence and prestige, it also burdensome the price in financial terms, human lives and other missed opportunities. As the world evolves and power dynamic shift, US and other aspiring hegemonic power must weigh the cost and benefit, pro and cons of maintaining such a position in an increasingly interconnected and multipolar world. The pursuit of hegemony demands a reckoning of its benefit and disadvantage, challenging nation to chart a course that balance power with prudence, influence integrity, and accountable ambition. The sacrifice of power is clear and inevitable. Si Vis Pacem Parabellum If you desire peace, then prepare for war)- Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus.