In the modern world, where democracy and liberal policies are increasingly recognized as the foundation for progress, hegemony as a political approach stands in direct conflict with the development of humanity. Hegemony, by definition, involves the dominance of one state, ideology, or group over others, often maintained through economic, military, and political coercion. While hegemonic powers may argue that their influence ensures stability, the reality is that hegemony restricts freedom, suppresses diversity, and ultimately hinders the evolution of inclusive and just societies. As humanity advances toward a more interconnected and equitable future, the persistence of hegemonic systems presents a significant obstacle to achieving true global development.
The word “hegemony” refers to dominance or leadership exercised by one entity over others, often in political, economic, cultural, or ideological contexts. It typically implies an imbalance of power where a dominant group, nation, or ideology influences or controls others, sometimes subtly and sometimes overtly. Interestingly, hegemony is not always imposed through force; it can also be maintained through consent, persuasion, or cultural influence.
The term “hegemony” comes from the Greek word “hēgemonía”, which means “leadership” or “command.” In modern political theory, the concept of hegemony was further developed by Antonio Gramsci, an Italian Marxist philosopher, who described “cultural hegemony” as the ability of a ruling class to maintain power by shaping cultural norms and public perceptions rather than relying solely on coercion. This idea explains how dominant ideologies become widely accepted, making people conform even without direct force.
Today, “hegemony” is widely used to describe global superpowers, economic dominance, media influence, and even social trends where one idea, culture, or system becomes the accepted norm, often at the expense of diversity and equity.
Moreover, hegemony impedes economic and social equality by creating structures of dependence that favour the dominant power at the expense of others. Culturally, hegemony stifles diversity and imposes a singular narrative that marginalizes alternative perspectives. The dominance of a particular ideology, language, or way of life often leads to the erosion of indigenous cultures, traditions, and knowledge systems. In addition to its impact on governance, economy, and culture, hegemony poses a significant threat to global peace and security. Hegemonic powers often justify their dominance by claiming to maintain order, but history has repeatedly shown that such dominance leads to conflict rather than stability. The desire to maintain supremacy results in aggressive foreign policies, military interventions, and economic sanctions that fuel tensions rather than resolve them. The world has witnessed the devastating consequences of such policies, from prolonged wars to humanitarian crises. True security and peace can only be achieved through equitable cooperation, mutual respect among nations, and the recognition of shared global responsibilities.
In an era where humanity is striving for inclusivity, sustainability, and democratic participation, hegemony stands as a relic of an outdated world order. The most pressing challenges of our time—climate change, poverty, public health, and human rights—require collaborative solutions rather than unilateral control. A future based on cooperation, where power is distributed rather than concentrated, will lead to greater advancements in science, technology, and social well-being.
Hegemony can sometimes be best understood through everyday life examples that make its impact more relatable. Imagine you are in a group project at school or work, and there’s that one person who insists on making all the decisions—what the topic should be, who should do what, and how the final presentation should look. They take all the credit if things go well but blame the team if something goes wrong. That is hegemony in action! While the project may get completed, the other members do not get a chance to contribute or grow, making it an unfair system.
Even in the world of food, we see hegemony at play! Imagine walking into a food court with multiple options—Indian, Chinese, Italian, and Mexican cuisine. But instead of letting you choose, the restaurant staff insists that you must eat only pizza because it’s the most “popular” option worldwide. No matter how much you love your biryani, sushi, or tacos, you’re forced to settle for pizza every time. This is exactly how cultural hegemony works—one dominant culture pushes its way to the top, sidelining all others.
On social media, you might notice that certain trends completely take over the internet. Suppose one influencer says, “Only minimalistic fashion is cool,” and suddenly, everyone starts wearing beige and black, throwing out their colourful outfits. Even those who love bright and quirky clothes start feeling pressured to follow the trend because that’s what gets the most likes. That is social hegemony in action—it makes people conform to dominant narratives, even when they do not truly align with them.
You join a gym, excited to get fit, but your trainer is on a mission to make you hate food. “Carbs are the enemy!” he announces, confiscating your beloved aloo paratha. “Only boiled chicken and broccoli from now on.” You try to protest, explaining that you just want to be healthy, not enter a bodybuilding competition, but he will not listen. Soon, you find yourself secretly eating rotis in the parking lot. This is dietary hegemony—one fitness trend forcing everyone to follow the same rigid rules, even when different people have different needs.
So, all in all, hegemony is not just about serious politics or economics—it is a pattern of control that seeps into everyday life. Whether in school projects, family dynamics, fashion trends, or sports, the basic idea remains the same: when one person or group dominates decision-making, it prevents growth, fairness, and true progress. Ultimately, the development of humanity demands the dismantling of hegemonic structures and the embrace of a world built on equality, justice, and shared prosperity. It is through the collective efforts of individuals, nations, and institutions committed to democratic ideals and human dignity that the world can truly move beyond the confines of dominance and toward a more just and flourishing civilization.
Dr Benazir Patil is the Chief Executive Officer of a non-profit organization called SCHOOL that works for ensuring good health & well-being.
