The strategy of regionalism: Perceptions surrounding United States hegemony in the era of globalization.

Abstract

This thesis examines the perceptions of American policy-makers of U.S. hegemony. In particular, it looks at the effect globalization on that hegemony and the role that regionalism in the Western hemisphere is expected to play in the future of that hegemony. The thesis first examines the theoretical links in the literature between globalization American hegemony, and regionalism in the Western hemisphere. Once done, this thesis turns to understanding the perceptions of American policy-makers with respect to the perception of a threat to continuing U.S. hegemony. Finally, this thesis exposes the perceptions of American policy-makers as to the nature and role of regionalism as a response to the perceived threat to U.S. hegemony. From this work, we can conclude that the U.S. is potentially employing regionalism as a strategy to offset the perceived threat to its continuing hegemony. This perceived threat can be traced to globalization and its effect on the ability of the U.S. to maintain a preponderant level of control over the factors of hegemony.