批判性评估霸权稳定理论CriticallyevaluateHegemonicStabilityTheory.docVIP

Critically evaluate Hegemonic Stability Theory 1. Introduction To understand Hegemonic Stability Theory, we must know the I Greek word hegemon, which means leader. A Hegemonic power is a nation whose power is strong enough to exert its influence on the events throughout the world. in the human history in international arena, British Empire in the 19th century and the United States after world war are considered as hegemonic power. Hegemonic Stability Theory is formulated by a number of great political and economic figures such as Charles Kindleberger, Robert Keohane, Abramo Fimo Kenneth Organski and George Modelski and involve a variety of disciplines: economics, history, politics. The basic claim is that the international system can maintain its most stability when there is a powerful hegemonic state being able to play major role in the international stage. The core of hegemonic stablity theory is “liberalism”, that is, international economy is based on the rule of liberal markets, such as opening up and nondiscrimination. The theory doesn’t hold that international economy can’t do without hegemonic nation, instead, it highlights that hegemonic nation can maintain the prosperity and stability. 2. the View of Previous Researchers Kindleberger holds the view that a hegemonic power is necessary in that it supports the liberal economy, which is vital to capitalism. He argues that a hegemonic power at the climax of strength and economic leadership are liberal by inclined trend and that the economy of the world is more stable and more prosperous as a result of the hegemonic power(Kindleberger,1973). However , Strange consider the view as a myth, an illusion and a misrepresention of reality. She convincingly and insightfully argue that the USA only considers liberalism as a doctrine when it is to its own convenience and when it suits its own interest(Strange,1987). It tends to be overlooked and forgotten when it is against its advantage. W