The Question of Hegemony
by William Pfaff
From Foreign Affairs, January/February 2001

 

SUMMARY
America's predominance in the world has become the rallying cry of both liberals and conservatives in Washington. But this so-called New Wilsonianism is untenable: as history shows, a superpower inevitably invites opposition.

 

An Imperial Consensus

  1. What is the New Wilsonianism?
  2. How does the author characterize late 20th Century America’s role as hegemonic power?
  3. What are the benefits and pitfalls of the new “united states” forwarded by the author?
  4. The Kristol and Kagan quote describes current American hegemony. How did the system described come into being?
  5. Compare George Bush’s 2003 State of the Union address to George Kennan’s arguments about American political philosophy.

 

Wilson’s Ghost

  1. What is the “white man’s burden”?
  2. According to Wilson, what does he refer to as “power politics”?
  3. According to the author what has been Wilson’s legacy for American foreign policymakers? Positive, Negative, why?

 

Power Trip

  1. How can American power and policy create destabilization in the world?

 

History Lessons

  1. What are your predictions about the current world system? Provide examples.
  2. Do you agree with the author’s conception? Why or why not?

 

Hegemonic Hubris

  1. What are your thoughts on the author’s summation of America in the past and its role in the 21st century?