How is 'hegemony' defined in international relationships?

In the context of international relationships, hegemony refers to the dominance of one state or group over others, particularly in political, economic, or military terms. This concept emphasizes the power dynamics that shape interactions between nations, where the hegemonic state can establish rules, norms, and policies that other states are likely to follow, often due to its superior capabilities or resources. This type of dominance can lead to a stable international order as the hegemonic power often has the ability to project influence and maintain control over global issues, impacting the behavior of other states.

The other options, while relevant to international affairs, do not encapsulate the concept of hegemony. For example, collaboration between equal nations focuses on mutual benefits rather than dominance, economic development pertains to the conditions influencing international relations but does not define hegemony, and treaties established for conflict resolution emphasize diplomatic engagement rather than the power structure dynamics inherent in hegemony. Hence, the correct understanding of hegemony is crucial for analyzing international power relations.