Hegemony and Unipolarity.

To realists, unipolarity is short-lived and conflict-ridden; other states will ally against the preemininent state, thus restoring the balance of the system. Yet, historical evidence suggests that unipolar periods have been more than just short-lived interludes, and that states sometimes tolerate unipolarity. Why? This paper identifies historical instances of such tolerance, and suggests an answer to their longevity beyond hegemonic stability theory. By overlooking the normative aspects of hegemony, hegemonic stability theory confuses unipolarity and hegemony. A hegemon is a pre-eminent power in a unipolar power, but not all unipolar systems are hegemonies. Unipolarity is exercized through military and economic power; hegemony also involves normative power. Implying: if a pre-eminent power is non-hegemonic, it will be perceived as acting only in its own self-interest; other states will then ally against it, establishing a balance of power. However, if a pre-eminent power is also a hegemon, it will be perceived as acting in the interest of the entire system; other states may then consider it legitimate and refrain from balancing ? in which case unipolarity may persist. The paper also discusses US foreign policy, in particular since 9/11 and the war in Iraq, in the light of this view of hegemony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]