Commentary
Concepts of hegemony have gained currency ever since Russia invaded Ukraine. Though hegemonic relationships have existed throughout history, questions still surround whether one power can legitimately claim sway over its weaker neighbors. The matter goes beyond Europe, too.
China and the United States, for example, challenge each other for hegemony in the western Pacific, though Beijing is more willing to characterize the contest in this way than Washington. Less noticed in the media is another hegemonic tussle going on in Latin America, where China has begun to challenge what was once Washington’s long-established and exclusive dominance.
In its effort, Beijing has made considerable headway, using the economics and finance of its famous Belt and Road Initiative (BRI, also known as “One Belt, One Road”) and like arrangements to extend its political, economic, and military influence from Mexico to Patagonia. Though not universally successful, the list of Chinese inroads is long and striking. Meanwhile, Washington has yet to manage much of a response….