The Paradox of Hegemony:

Abstract

There is an inherent tension between a dominant state's role as a hegemon and its role as a great power. Hegemons have the material capabilities to act unilaterally, yet they cannot remain hegemons if they do so at the expense of the system that they are trying to lead. Thus there is a contradiction between the propensity for a powerful state to take unilateral action in promoting its self-defined interest and its desire to maintain long-term systemic stability. This tension between parochial interest and international responsibility creates a phenomenon called the `paradox of hegemony'. This article conceptualizes this as a form of `role strain' in which hegemons are torn between their conflicting roles as great powers and systemic leaders. It illustrates these points by examining the tensions that have long defined the US relationship with the United Nations.