Introduction

Gramsci describes hegemony as the political leadership of the working-class in a self-governing rebellion. Gramsci maintained that capitalism uses political and economic coercion to control the people. However, Robert describes supremacy as the principles and understandings that are relatively stable and unquestioned. The first definition differs with the second in many ways. One of the variances is that there is the use of force in Gramsci definition while there is the use of consensus in Robert’s description. Though, the only similarities are that the authorities are not challenged in both cases. The two scholars wrote their writings in two different times. Gramsci did his work during the initial stages of the 20^th century while Robert’s work was done in the mid of the 20^thcentury. Cox developed Gramsci’s account of hegemony in several ways. Gramsci talked about exercising of authorities through institutions such as factories, churches, and schools. He preferred these places because it was easy to control people in an enclosed area. However, Cox developed Gramsci’s account by using the military and coercive power. It was better because the use of force instill fear in people and makes them obey laws. The implication is that states have instruments of power and can exercise their coercive authority on the citizens.

Gramsci also discusses how people unite and form a hegemonic block to fight for their interests. In this case, they control forced political power. It is a common phenomenon where a politician builds coalitions with the aim of managing power and resources after winning elections. Cox improved on this by discussing how world order maintained through various platforms such as the media, international entities and the NGO’s. It is because most of these organizations have a lot of influence in society. Therefore, they can direct the public to act in a particular manner. The implication is that the world distinct political entities alone. Thus, institutional cooperation is vital to ensure that bodies function well.

Gramsci also suggested that political change or revolution was not about taking over the state alone. There is a need to counter the ideology of the dominant group and develop a new ideological consensus. The primary objective is to ensure that people focus on attaining a particular course. Cox expands this view by proposing that the hegemonic role is not a dictatorship. Individuals still have room to think and reach a consensus on various issues. The insinuation is that world organizations like Oxfam, IMF and World Bank will have a significant influence in international politics. Therefore, these entities can impose economic sanction on nations that exploit their citizens or do not respect democracy. This is the reason why these organizations should be looked from a broader perspective instead of seeing them as distinct entities.

BODY ESSAY

Gramsci discusses how the ruling class dominated society. As a result, they end up manipulating the traditions of the community where they live. The ruling class imposes Values, beliefs, and perceptions because of their influence on society. Their opinions become universally accepted. It is because the majority of the member of the public cannot match the strength. They also wield a lot of power and resources since they are capitalists; thus, influencing a more significant portion of the members of the public (Joseph,2003). The difference in his account is that at one point he talks of economic, political and economic struggle as a way of liberating people. This is different from his view on capitalism where there is the use of force and coercion to influence the public. He uses the ruling class and the oppressed to show these variances.

The use of force by the ruling class can create the problem of dictatorship in the community. They might use the state apparatus to dominate other people in society. It can lead to inequality and exploitation in the city (Rindall & Michael, 1998). However, this might be countered as Gramsci argues by strengthening the civil the society and the use of international bodies such as IMF. The two entities can provide checks and balances to the ruling class to ensure that they do not exploit people. Nevertheless, it can be critiqued because the state can ignore these entities and continue with their activities.

Robert W. Cox’s made significant contributions to the global relations theory. He builds on Gramsci’s ideas and other several sources. The concept brings out associations between ideas, material conditions, and conditions. This is what he terms as world orders and suggests that change can emanate from any individual (Simon,2015). Cox also emphasized on the need to form a vibrant civil society, the need to embrace participatory democracy and pluralism. This can assist individuals to select leaders of their choice in free and fair elections. Furthermore, he advocated the use of non-violent approaches to solving disputes. These were the main elements of his transformation agenda.

Cox theoretical work can be applied in real life situations. First, in WTO some states are dominant than others. One of such countries is the US which plays a crucial role in influencing the decisions of the World Trade Organization. Cox further suggest that US dominance continue to exist in international entities such as IMF and World Bank. This is because of their political and economic might over other states (MICHAEL, 2011). Therefore, America influences the decisions of this organization. The dominant states also impose some of the choices of small countries to accept some of the ideas even if they are not good. For instance, the developing countries might be forced to open borders for trading against their wish. There are some cases where the IMF and World Bank have followed the US advice to impose economic sanctions on some nations. There are also cases where NGO’s and media outlets have been used by external forces to suppress the government. A lot of pressure has also been put on politicians especially the head of states to accept the demands of the dominant nations or face punishment.

An implication that can be identified for thinking about International Relations through this lens is its positive effects. Cox decision of theorizing it has numerous benefits. First, it assists in giving evidence regarding various issues discussed in this topic(Gramsci, 1983). These principles also assist in comprehending how the global system works. Moreover, it helps individuals to know some of the problems that nations encounter while engaging with others. As a result, countries can look for amicable solutions for these challenges. Finally, the approach also enables one to understand the terms used in global relations. These expressions can assist an individual to know more about global ties.

References

Joseph, J. (2003). Hegemony. [S.l.]: Routledge.

Laclau, E. and Mouffe, C. (2014). Hegemony and socialist strategy. London: Verso.

Simon, R. (2015). Gramsci’s Political Thought. London [England]: Lawrence & Wishart.

Gramsci, hegemony, and international relations: an essay in method (1983)

MICHAEL COX. International Affairs (Royal Institute of International Affairs 1944-), Vol. 87, No.5 (September 2011), pp. 1107-1122 Published by: Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Institute of International Affairs Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/41306944Accessed: 22-02-2019 15:26 UTC

Tim Dunne, Milja Kurki, and Steve Smith. International Relations Theories Discipline and Diversity.https://customwriting.s3.amazonaws.com/IF3826

Randall D. Germain and Michael Kenny Review of International Studies, Vol. 24, No. 1 (Jan., 1998), pp. 3-21Published by: Cambridge University Press Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/20097503 Accessed: 22-02-2019 15:28 UTC

Robert W. Cox.Social Forces, States and World Orders: Beyond International Relations Theory.https://customwriting.s3.amazonaws.com/IF3826/

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