Hegemony refers to the dominance, dominance or leadership of a state, group or country over others. This dominance tends to be dominant, especially in political, economic or cultural areas. It is a concept generally used to describe situations where a powerful entity exerts significant influence or control, and as a result of this exercise shapes the behavior and decisions of others. When a state or any entity has significant power over other states or regions, a country or group that dominates global markets and trade areas is dominant over other entities, a hegemony can be said to exist. In short, hegemony involves the ability of a powerful entity to exert dominant influence over others, to shape political, economic and cultural landscapes.

• Cox, R. W. (1983). Gramsci, hegemony and international relations: An essay in method. Millennium: Journal of International Studies, 12(2), 162–175.